Prioritize for the Win
What is a priority?
Let’s start with an example…
You have two returns that you need to wrap up that have been nagging at you for days. You think, “I have to get these out today.” You walk in the office or open the computer ... email and urgent not important (Quadrant 3 from Covey’s time management matrix) items take the day away. At the end of the day the returns are top of mind ... still not done. You didn’t win the day!
Alternatively … you have two returns you have to get done. You get to the office and spend the morning cranking them out (Quadrant 1/2). Then you address email etc. At the end of the day you walk out and the returns are complete and you sleep well. You won the day!
The definition of a priority is a thing that is regarded as more important than another.
Winners prioritize Quadrant 1/2 — might be worth a reminder to yourself and your team.
Focus on success!
| Urgent | Not Urgent | |
| Important |
Quadrant I
|
Quadrant II
|
|
Not Important |
Quadrant III
|
Quadrant IV
|
Shannon Vincent is founder of ReNew Group. Since 2001, Shannon has consulted with Top 100 firms to sole practitioners, helping them create sustainable and profitable businesses.
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