My door is always open!

The communication you are likely to increase by broadcasting this statement will be trivial; you will find that you spend more time talking with colleagues and staff about the weather or last night’s game. Instead, have an open communication policy that makes you accessible to face-to-face appointments or phone meetings.

I’m too busy to plan.

If you don’t have a plan, one will be made for you. This is a classic paradox, because it results in “emergency management” taking up the bulk of your day.  

Is it urgent or important?

Your long-range priorities will suffer if you are living in the urgent world all day. Try to deflect purportedly urgent matters (when appropriate) and remember not to over-respond to crises. When pertinent, take your mother’s advice: “less said, best said”. Many so-called emergencies solve themselves.  

Meeting schedules.

Do your meetings start on time, or do you waste the first 15 minutes waiting for everyone to arrive and get settled? Set a precedent of starting meetings on time, and you will find that the attendees will respond.

If you want something done right…

You are certainly good at what you do. But let’s face it, you don’t have time to do everything and move forward. Practice “delegation stewardship” to give everyone a chance. The first time may take more of your time than usual, but then you will be off and running.