Dr. Anne Johnson
Part of being an effective leader is having the energy and time to do it, though, as many leaders recognize, this is not always easy.
Anne Johnson, a doctor and professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University College in London, reminds us that prioritizing, and managing a balanced and sustainable work schedule–even knowing when to pause–is critical to being a good leader. It is not only good for one’s own health, but as a leader, it sets a good example. She reflects, “you can be very good at your work, and not have to work eighty hours a week.”
Fitzhugh Mullan, a professor of medicine and health policy at the George Washington University School of Medicine, presents a slightly different angle on leadership and time. He discusses his own experience when becoming a leader and the commitment involved, acknowledging the unsustainable aspects of it. He says “leadership…it is not a nine to five activity.”
After watching these clips, reflect on these two commentaries on time and leadership. Dr. Mullen and Dr. Johnson both acknowledge the commitment it takes to be a leader, and they resolve with different ways of managing time. Is one approach more valuable than the other? Is one more realistic? We invite you to comment and offer your own methods for managing your time.
For further information and resources on time management try searching using the theme inspired from Stephen Covey’s habit “first things first,” which suggests that time management is more about managing ourselves and organizing around relationships and results, on the Everyday Leadership website.
