The Most Valuable Gift of Leadership: Time
We have entered a period where our attention and time are constantly demanded by our digital companions: smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In many cases, our human connections are overshadowed by these alternatives. Now more than ever, the most valuable gift we can offer others is our time.
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
In the past, a ringing phone carried a strong perceived urgency that compelled us to answer immediately. It was impressive when someone could calmly ignore a ringing phone. Today, that ringing has been replaced by the continuous pings, dings, and chimes of our increasingly sophisticated devices. Once the notifications fade, our hunger for acceptance and approval takes over, driving us to seek as many likes as possible on our social media platforms.
Unfortunately, the new generation is being conditioned to embrace a culture of distraction centered around their digital devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many parents have started using these devices as a way to keep their young children occupied. It’s now common for people to immerse themselves in their gadgets, often ignoring everything – and everyone – around them.
I remember when smartphones first became popular. Almost immediately, there were many viral videos of people walking into walls, tripping over obstacles, and falling into fountains because they were focused on their new smartphones and weren’t paying attention to their surroundings. While these moments were amusing back then, this issue has since evolved into something more serious.
While we may not be literally walking into walls, we are undeniably creating barriers between ourselves and others. We are spending increasingly more time on our gadgets and neglecting to engage with those who matter most. These gadgets have infiltrated every moment of our lives, even invading our family time at the dinner table.
However, there’s a solution to this problem. By intentionally putting down our smartphones, silencing notifications, and turning off our devices, we can give our time as a gift to those who matter most to us.
Why This is Important
Let me be crystal clear: smart devices are a productivity enhancer.
They can make our lives more efficient by consolidating everything in one place, accelerate knowledge acquisition since information is at our fingertips, encourage a healthy lifestyle with exercise trackers, and a whole host of other benefits. That’s why as leaders, we must manage our priorities effectively to harness the full advantage of smart devices without allowing them to steal our time from what matters the most in life – our connections with people.
This is important because:
- Effective leaders lead by example. When we make an effort to prioritize time for our human connections, others we influence will likely follow suit.
- Memorable leaders build memorable connections. Every opportunity to create lasting memories with others is precious. Once a moment is gone, it cannot be reclaimed. We must seize every chance to strengthen our ties.
- Leaders with influence foster inclusiveness. Instead of isolating ourselves in our own digital worlds, let’s share our time by inviting others into conversations or activities, even if it’s something as simple as watching a movie or enjoying the sunset together.
Ultimately, leaders must prioritize quality time with those who matter most, rather than sacrificing those relationships for momentary engagements with their smartphones.
Gifting Your Time
Gifting your time to those most important can be simple yet profoundly impactful. Here’s a guide to help you make meaningful connections.
- Mental Transition. Start by shifting your focus mentally to the moment of connection. Ask yourself, “What’s the benefit of gifting my time to this person?” This reflection helps to clear any stress or lingering distractions from your prior engagements.
- Eliminate Distractions. Create a distraction-free environment. Silence your smart devices to avoid the impulse to check them. No peeking! A helpful trick is to flip your device over so that notifications aren’t visible.
- Set Expectations. Communicate your intention to be fully present. By announcing your desire to engage wholeheartedly, you are reinforcing personal accountability and encouraging the same from others.
- Establish Boundaries. Consider setting a time limit for your engagement. This way, you can focus on the interaction instead of worrying about your clock. As a pro tip, let someone else manage the time for you so you can fully immerse yourself in the moment.
- Reflect on Value. At the end of your engagement, take a moment to internally assess what you gained from that time together. Ask yourself, “What was the value of this shared time?”
In a world where everyone feels pressed for time, taking a moment to connect authentically is a gift that requires both action and commitment. Magic moments cannot be created without the key ingredient of time that is willingly shared.
To quote one of our Christ-centered thought leaders, Rick Warren from Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”
As a leader, make it a priority to intentionally gift your time to those who are most important to you.
Empowered Leader Reflection
When was the last time you considered your time as the most valuable gift you could share with others?
If this resonates with you, please share your thoughts with us below.
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