In a recent "best advice I ever got" interview, William P. Lauder, President and CEO of Estee Lauder, tells the story of working for Donald Regan, the US secretary of treasury as a 22-year-old. One piece of advice would define his personal leadership strategy for decades at Estee Lauder. As Regan stepped into a meeting two minutes early one morning, he barked at Lauder, "If you're not control of your calendar, you're not in control." Lauder's daily strategy became to consciously and ruthlessly manage his time. He reports that, "every morning I scan a print out of my calendar making sure I am not in meetings I don't need to be in and not setting myself up for a mess. (Am I slated to give a speech two miles away with only five minutes to get there? if so I'm doomed.) My office door stays open, my desk faces the hall and I get up and walk around. Managers here are clear on what I am up to, and if they need to get time with me, they can.
In the world of ministry I find it difficult for most "successful" pastors to be available to their people. Sometimes a spirit of entitlement slips in that can make a pastor less disciplined over his time rather than more. I am amazed how this dynamic works in my own life and felt challenged by this short word on Lauder's leadership. Article from HBR.