How to Avoid the ‘Tyranny of the Urgent’

Remember last quarter, when you said next quarter you’d spend more time on that REALLY important thing?

Well…it’s next quarter.

Wait. Where did all the time go? Likely, it was consumed by all the pressing matters that fill our days.

Here’s the thing. We all suffer under the tyranny of the urgent.

• That staff member in crisis.

• That ‘squeaky wheel’ of a stakeholder.

• That customer we put off—until we couldn’t.

It can feel like urgencies fill all available space.

What’s at fault?

Despite our protests, being in a state of crisis simply must work for us—otherwise we wouldn’t do it.

So, what gives? What is it that we get from handing over our valuable time to a revolving door of urgent tasks, people, and issues?

Think about it like you’re playing an archetypal character on TV. Who do you most relate to when urgent matters eat all your time:

• The Doctor: brings out your sense of importance, of being needed for your skills and expertise, of being wise, and calm?

• The Superhero: gives you a chance to swoop in and save the day—when the other mere mortals in the office are unable?

• The Victim: allows you to avoid what really needs facing and doing, to stay numb, wait it out, or remain checked out?

• The Baddy: offers a way to place the blame where it “really” belongs, either on yourself or onto others—wherever it fits.

Maybe you have a uniquely customized character you dress up as? Personally, I’ve been all of these at various times over my career.

The truth is, staying calm and thinking ahead, planning and intentionally working at an even pace towards a considered objective is REALLY HARD.

It takes discipline, grit, foresight, and self-belief.

We are all-too-often low on these due to burnout, self-doubt, external forces…

The Good News

What happens when you do make the shift? When more of your work is planned out, and calmly done?

When you set and maintain boundaries for yourself?

Well, you’ll train those around you to respect your time, plans, and needs.

Their urgent requests less often become your problem. Your work gets done and so it doesn’t slide into last-minute-deadline territory, as frequently.

It’s a virtuous cycle that builds strength the longer it rules.

Naturally, there will always be genuinely urgent matters or crises. But, when you lead by insisting on calm workflows with predictable systems and personal boundaries, donning that cape or stethoscope becomes the understandable exception.

Where could you gain more control over your time at work?

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If you seek coaching support with boundary-setting, or creating a climate that generates less drama, email me to book a call. We’ll tackle your biggest problem, right away, for free.