Timewise Leadership

A leader's value is measured in degrees of effectiveness.  It's not only how efficiently you perform your function in a leadership role, but it's also how effectively you guide your employees toward the attainment of the organization's goals.  Using time effectively is one way to increase your personal effectiveness; helping others to use their time wisely is one way to increase your value to the organization.

Timewise leadership depends on the leader, the followers, and the situation. Timewise leaders are capable of using many leadership styles. For example, in an emergency situation, an autocratic style is needed to quickly get done what needs to be done.  In an emergency situation, the timewise leader will not hesitate to give orders and expect a fast, unquestioning response.  However, in a non-urgent situation, an executive might use more democratic leadership style that takes longer to accomplish  but saves time in the long run by developing empowered, capable employees. 

When employees are involved in the attainment of organizational goals, they tend to be involved and enthusiastic. Even though it takes time to communicate, to explain, and to confer with staff, the participative approach is by far the most efficient leadership style.   Motivation is the prime ingredient of any accomplishment.  A motivated  employee will work harder to attain a goal than an  unmotivated mployee . Timewise, it makes sense to use a leadership style that involves employees in setting goals, making decisions, sharing responsibility, and experiencing free flow of organizational information.

We choose to use our time consciously or unconsciously. When we supervise others, we often do things or neglect to do things that result in an inefficient use of our time.

Think about how you spend  your time as a supervisor and the things you do that either waste time or help you gain time.   How can you better plan and schedule your time and also help your employees to better manage their time?

Until next time...

Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR
http://tools2succeed.com/