We finally got some winter where I live. Yesterday we enjoyed the chance to go cross country skiing and sledding.
When we returned home and I was settling in the question came – Dad, would you come outside and help us build one of those big snow forts? My inside voice initially said No. After all, my agenda was about rest and focusing on my to do list. Then I realized how important it was for them. So my verbal answer was Yes, and I spent the next hour helping them create a pretty cool fort. The effort was rewarded later when my daughter’s friend was being picked up and the girls were bragging about the fort they built. Their pride was my reward.
You see, there are certain roles we take on that, as part of the role, we commit to doing things that are important to others. When we do that, the big message is You matter, so you get my time. Relationships are built when we commit some of our time to the priorities of others.
Being a leader is one of those roles. Inherent to your role as a leader is spending time worrying about/supporting others. Is it a sacrifice? Sometimes.
One of the great books I have found that paints a picture of this time commitment is The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard.
Remember your roles today – and make some of the commitments that come with them.