Leaders at every level should be thinking about the efficiency and effectiveness of systems, processes, and the people they work with.  What leaders find when they start looking at things in the context of, only do what only you can do, is that actions and tasks begin to take on a different perspective.  For example, if a leader is doing something, i.e., reviewing information, putting together a presentation, etc., they should be asking themselves three questions: 1) Can this project, process, or procedure be automated?  2) Can this be done more efficiently? And if not, 3) Should it be delegated?  Said another way, and with complete and total sarcasm, you should always be thinking, Is it possible for me to do nothing?  Let me explain, your time is far too valuable to be doing something that won’t make a difference to you, your family, your colleagues, your boss, etc.  In your personal life, the idea of only doing what only you can do may take the form of automation or a service provider. 

In many cases, the answers to these questions will be no, but you may be surprised by how many things can be automated and delegated, giving you more time for things you may consider more important than the tasks you automated, delegated, or found a service provider for. 

Two books come to mind when making this next point: What got you here won’t get you there, by Marshall Goldsmith, and Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson.  The point being, as life and your roles and responsibilities change, your time management systems may also need to change.  The one constant in life is change, and we need to be willing and able to adapt to it. 

It took me several years to fully implement my personalized time management system.  But, as my system began to take shape, I found myself with less stress, more free time, and better relationships all the way around. 

1. 1.0 _____ Have you ever evaluated how much of what you do can be automated, delegated, or shifted to a service provider? Looking for opportunities in systems and processes is an implied task of leaders at every level.
2. 1.0 _____ Have you evaluated the little things you do to see if they can be done more efficiently? Looking for efficiencies in systems and processes is an implied task of leaders at every level.
3. 2.0 _____ Do you feel comfortable delegating responsibilities? Not everyone feels comfortable delegating responsibilities.  However, what better way is there to teach, train, and mentor a younger generation?

 _____: Assessment Grade

RuReady Resources:

1. RuReady.fyi To Do List Worksheet

 Amazon Books:

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey, Jim Collins, and Sean Covey. This has long been one of my favorite books.  I have used many of the lessons taught in this book throughout my career.
2. How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, by Alan Lakein, is a concise, energizing guide that turns time‑management into something practical and genuinely empowering. It’s one of those rare books that leaves you feeling clearer, more focused, and ready to take action.
3. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal Newport, is a sharp, motivating call to reclaim your attention and produce work that actually matters. It’s one of those rare books that doesn’t just inspire you, it gives you a blueprint for transforming how you think, create, and succeed.
4. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown, is a refreshing reminder that doing less, on purpose, can lead to far greater impact. It’s a clear, uplifting guide that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
5. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, by David Allen and James Fallows, is a game‑changer for anyone who wants clarity, focus, and a calmer approach to productivity. It transforms everyday chaos into a simple, reliable system that helps you breathe easier while getting more done.
6. Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson. I found this book to be an inspiring and thought-provoking offering, a simple yet profound lesson on embracing change.
7. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith. This is a great book, which makes us reflect on habits that may hold us back from reaching our full potential.

 YouTube Resources:

1. The Eisenhower Matrix: How to manage your tasks with EISENHOWER, Andreas, founder of Eisenhower.me  I think this is a great 2-minute video explaining the concept and application of the Eisenhower Matrix.