Choosing to Focus on What Matters

“Put more wood behind the spear point to truly deliver impact.”

That’s what one of my mentors would tell me when I started spreading my team (and myself) too thinly. 

He was referring to the design of a Roman spear (pilum). They have a pyramidal iron point for penetration.  The point is lethal, even against shields and armor because of the weight of the shaft – 10-12 pounds!

Leaders make a bigger organizational impact when they focus more weight behind the tip of the spear.  Therefore, leaders must make choices.

• Getting to inbox zero daily may or may not matter.
• Participating in another committee may or may not matter.
• PowerPoint polish may or may not matter
• Doing the things which only you can do matters.
• Delivering your best creative, original work matters.
• Building relationships matters.
• Keeping promises matters.
• Rest & recovery matter.

A litmus test when you’re faced with choices: Five years from now, what will matter more?

Decide. Act. Stand firm.