Issue 39: Time Management & Doing The Right Work

"You may delay, but time will not." — Benjamin Franklin

Hi leaders,

Before we dive into this week's topic, I wanted to share a heartfelt message.

While the strategies and insights I share will continue to apply to leaders across all industries, I've made a conscious decision to focus on supporting the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

The past few years have been brutal.

We all hoped things would improve for healthcare professionals after the initial crisis of COVID subsided. Sadly, that hasn't been the case for many.

I'm hearing from countless nurses and other healthcare leaders who are leaving the profession, feeling burnt out, undervalued, and trapped. They believe they have no choice but to sacrifice their well-being for their careers.

I want you to know you do have a choice.

My commitment is to empower you, healthcare leaders, with the tools and strategies to not only survive but feel fulfillment and, dare I say, joy in your leadership roles.

I want to help you create fulfilling careers where you feel valued, respected, and in control – so you can continue making the incredible impact you do without sacrificing your sanity. Because the world needs your leadership now more than ever.

Whether you're a healthcare leader or not, I hope you'll stay with me for lessons that will support the health of your professional life and leadership impact.

Too little time, too many tasks.

Now, let's dive into this week's focus: Regaining your time through role mastery and discovering your organization's enacted priorities – the things they actually prioritize, not just what they say they do.

Feeling like a plate spinner at the circus, constantly juggling tasks but never truly making progress on what matters? (Great visual?!)

You're not alone. Many nurse leaders are stuck in a whirlwind of competing demands, unclear priorities, and a nagging feeling they're not making the impact they envisioned.

This week, we're diving into Role Mastery, a core component of the Intentional Leadership Framework I teach, and specifically how to uncover your organization's enacted priorities – the things they actually prioritize, not just what they say they do.

The Problem: You're drowning in to-dos, constantly putting out fires, and feeling overwhelmed. You're working harder, not necessarily smarter, and you're feeling it. You might be checking off boxes, but are you moving the needle on what matters most to your organization (and your career)?

Probably not.

You’re likely mistaking activity for achievement.

The Real Issue: You haven't identified your organization's enacted priorities. Every organization has stated priorities (mission statements, strategic plans, etc.), but their enacted priorities – the things they actually invest time, resources, and attention into – often tell a different story. If you're not aligned with these enacted priorities, you're spinning your wheels, no matter how hard you work and how good a job you do.

What You Should Be Doing Instead:

1. The Priority Performance Method: This isn't about time blocking or another productivity hack. It's about understanding the why behind your actions. Start by asking yourself: Where is the organization directing their time and attention?
2. Align Your Actions: Once you've identified the enacted priorities, you have the opportunity to reframe your priorities in a way that matters to your organization. Focus your energy on tasks that directly contribute to these priorities, even if they're not the most urgent or visible. This is where your influence and impact will truly shine.
3. Communicate Strategically: Don't be afraid to discuss your understanding of enacted priorities with your boss/CNO. Frame it as a way to ensure you're focusing on the most impactful activities. This demonstrates strategic thinking and initiative, positioning you as a valuable leader.

Example: Your hospital claims to prioritize patient satisfaction, but consistently understaffs units and cuts resources for continuing education. The enacted priority is cost reduction, not patient satisfaction. Aligning your actions with this reality might mean finding creative, low-cost ways to improve patient experience, rather than advocating for more staff or larger investments (which will likely be ignored).

The Bottom Line: Mastering Role Mastery and understanding enacted priorities is about working smarter, not harder. It's about aligning your actions with what truly matters to your organization, maximizing your impact, and positioning yourself for career advancement.

Ready to take control of your leadership and align with your organization's true priorities? Schedule a free nurse leader coaching consultation , and let's explore how the Intentional Leadership Framework can transform your career.

Next week's preview:

Next week, we're diving into the power of feedback. It's not always easy to hear (or give!), but trust me, it's essential for growth.

We'll talk about how to get the right kind of feedback, the kind that actually helps you level up in your role, and how to use it to make sure you're focusing on what truly matters.

Until then, take a moment to reflect on how understanding your organization's real priorities (not just the ones they post on the "values" posters) can make a huge difference in your effectiveness and influence, something you absolutely need to do good work and help more people. It's all about Role Mastery, my friend, and it's a game-changer.

Let me know what you think

Go out there and lead,

Asia