Urgency addiction is a real thing in the construction industry. It feels good to solve problems, resolve a crisis, and get accolades for having “saved the day.” But constantly fighting fires and dealing with urgent problems tends to crowd out planning and setting priorities which are MUCH more beneficial to you in the long run.
Please tune in this week as Dennis references Covey’s 2×2 “Urgent vs. Important” matrix (reportedly first used by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower as he managed the Allied war effort in the European Theater of WWII) and offers solutions you can employ if, upon analysis, you continually find yourself in firefighting instead of planning mode. What has worked for you? Are you a fan of the Covey matrix, or are there other tools even more valuable when it comes to planning and executing work? Please share with us in the comments.
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JIm Russell says:
This is great! Been “lecturing” our PM’s on this for years. Graphically representing Quadrant Two as much bigger than Quadrant One sends the message of importance/time allocation and value.
Kent P says:
Thanks! Excellent observations about construction addiction to urgency and how to change. Sending to all in our companies.