Get more done in less time – How Eisenhower accomplished so much
May 6, 2014
By Jerry Bellune
May 5, 2014
President Dwight Eisenhower was a model leader.
He grew up in an impoverished family in Kansas.
With hard work, “Ike” graduated from West Point.
During World War I, he was denied combat service.
But his organizational skills won him notice.
Important generals took an interest in him.
During World War II, his star rose rapidly.
He directed Germany’s downfall in North Africa.
He planned the invasions of Sicily and France.
He directed the eventual victory in Europe.
This led to his run for the U.S. Presidency.
As President, he was a popular success.
Eisenhower was effective as well as efficient.
He invested time in what’s important, not just urgent.
You must understand this distinction.
What’s important is achieving your goals.
What’s urgent will demand immediate attention.
But it often is to help someone else with their needs.
What’s urgent often has consequences.
We are forced to deal with it immediately, or else.
President Eisenhower understood this clearly.
He said: “What is important is seldom urgent.
“What is urgent is seldom important.”
This is how Eisenhower organized his work.
Stephen Covey popularized this in his books.
He called it the “Urgent/Important Matrix.”
The matrix is a powerful way to set priorities.
As we explained here last week, the four fields are:
- “Urgent & Important.”
- “Not Urgent but Important.”
- “Urgent but Not Important.”
- “Not Urgent or Important.”
Overcome all tendencies to focus on the urgent.
Clear your time to focus on the important.
Ask yourself, “What would Eisenhower do?”
Recommended Reading
“Eisenhower on Leadership” will inspire you.
It’s principles will work in your own business.
All of us can learn from a leader of his stature.
It’s available at Amazon for less than $10.
That’s a small investment for a big payoff.
Next: Innovative marketing.
©2014 The Bellune Company, Inc.
Neither MidlandsBiz.com nor The Bellune Company, Inc. makes any warranty as to the results that may be achieved from using this information. ©2013 The Bellune Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Requests for permission to reprint or circulate may be obtained by emailing [email protected]
