New Year, New Perspective

Welcome to 2023.  The new year is full of possibilities and promise.  It's an opportunity to reset and restart, and we're positioned to make the most of it.

January is also a time of reflection and change.  We take stock of the goals that we set for ourselves last year.  Did we achieve them?  If not, do we continue working toward them or move on to other initiatives?

Equally important, January is a time when new goals and initiatives emerge.  Some of those new goals are self-driven.  Others are given to us by other stakeholders.

​Balancing these two perspectives can be challenging.  This month's newsletter includes strategies that help leaders prioritize competing demands.  What will you prioritize in the new year?  Let us know how your team is doing.

Prioritization as Leadership

By Dr. Beth M. Laux, Ed.D.
Compromise is a word that carries a lot of baggage.  For some, compromise is a win.  It is the successful culmination of a negotiation or an attempt to build consensus. 

For others, compromise seems like giving up.  To achieve a goal, they had to give something up, and it feels like something was lost.

In many ways, compromise is a form of prioritization.  In the workplace, prioritization is a critical leadership skill.  When we are faced with competing demands, prioritization focuses our energy.  It also improves outcomes, leverages resources, and alleviates anxiety.  
​
In a nutshell, prioritization isn't failure.  It's leadership.

​As you start 2023, how can you and your team prioritize effectively?  Where do you stand on achieving your goals and how can you (re)prioritize them to maximize your efforts?  Need suggestions?  Check QCS's new publication: Work Smarter, Not Harder.  

Have your own ideas?  Drop us an email and let us know!

Simple Short Cuts

Prioritizing for Success
The Challenge
Leaders face competing demands all the time, but we can't do everything at once.  Prioritizing existing and emerging expectations can be challenging.

Solutions
Prioritization is a super power.  It can alleviate stress, make your team more efficient, and maximize your success.  Here are some tips to get started.

Using the
​Eisenhower Matrix

Lifehack.com offers tips for prioritizing.  QCS's favorite tip: The Eisenhower Matrix--evaluate all of your tasks by level of urgency and importance. 

Tactical vs.
​Strategic Goals

Forbes provides 15 suggestions for prioritizing competing goals.  QCS's favorite tip: "Balance tactical priorities and strategic goals."

Prioritizing by Principles

HBR promotes prioritizing by principles.  QCS's favorite tip: Differentiating between critical, important, and desirable goals.

Have a short cut to share?

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QCS Spotlight

Work Smarter, Not Harder
In December, QCS published a new report highlighting 3 strategies for balancing competing demands.  

  1. Work Smarter, Not Harder
  2. Control the Narrative
  3. Prioritize...Even When It Sets You Back

Want to learn more?  Download your copy today.

Want to write for the QCS Compass?

Do you have an idea for an article?  QCS welcomes guest authors to contribute to our newsletters.  Contact us for more information!

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