Jonathan Eisler, Vice President, AllOne Consulting
This article is part of the Becoming Your Best leadership programming provided by AllOne Consulting.
The Power of Time Management in Leadership
Time is a leader’s most valuable asset, yet many find themselves overwhelmed by endless meetings, urgent emails, and competing demands. The most effective leaders don’t just manage time—they prioritize it. They focus on high-impact activities that drive results and delegate or eliminate distractions that drain productivity.
A study by McKinsey & Company found that senior executives spend only 9% of their time on strategic thinking—the very activity that could have the greatest long-term impact. Effective time management is essential to maximizing leadership effectiveness.
Why Time Prioritization Matters
1. Boosts Productivity and Efficiency
Focusing on what truly matters allows leaders to accomplish more in less time, reducing stress and increasing output.
2. Enhances Decision-Making
Leaders who control their time avoid rushed decisions and create space for thoughtful, strategic choices.
3. Reduces Burnout
Poor time management leads to stress, exhaustion, and decreased performance. Prioritizing well-being ensures sustained energy and motivation.
4. Increases Team Effectiveness
When leaders model strong time management, their teams follow suit, leading to a more organized and focused workplace.
How to Prioritize Time Effectively
1. Identify High-Value Activities
Not all tasks are created equal. Focus on the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of results (Pareto Principle).
2. Use the Eisenhower Matrix
Categorize tasks into four quadrants:
- Urgent & Important – Do these immediately
- Important but Not Urgent – Schedule time for these
- Urgent but Not Important – Delegate these
- Neither Urgent Nor Important – Eliminate or postpone these
3. Set Clear Boundaries
Leaders must protect their schedules. Say no to unnecessary meetings, limit distractions, and establish dedicated time for deep work.
4. Delegate Effectively
Empower your team by assigning responsibilities instead of trying to do everything yourself.
5. Schedule Time for Strategic Thinking
Block out dedicated time for vision-setting, problem-solving, and planning—don’t let daily tasks consume all your bandwidth.
Reflection: Are You Prioritizing the Right Things?
- Are you spending most of your time on high-impact activities?
- Do you frequently feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin?
- Are you making time for long-term strategic planning?
If not, reevaluate your schedule and start prioritizing what truly matters.
Final Thoughts
Leadership success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. By mastering time prioritization, you can increase efficiency, reduce stress, and lead with greater impact.
Audit your schedule this week. Identify tasks to eliminate, delegate, or optimize so you can focus on what truly moves the needle.
