Growing up on a farm I always knew that there were some years that were better than others – even as a young kid.  The weather was always the big determiner.  Often in the conversations I would hear my parents talk about the rain – or lack of it, and how it was going to affect the corn.  I spoke to my parents this week, and the conversation of the heat, lack of rain and the effect on the crops was one of the first things they talked about. 

One of the factors that will make a big difference on the crops is the timing of the lack of rain, especially combined with the high temperatures.  If there is no rain during certain stages of growth it is much more detrimental than at other times.

Timing is so important to the Every Day Leader too.  The product life cycle shows stages of timing: when to launch, when the product is at its peak, and  when to retire the product. The timing of launching a new company can make or break that company the first quarter. Even in our relationships with those we lead and interact with, timing is key in knowing when to say something and when to keep quiet.

 It is all about timing.

 As leaders, we must first be aware of our environments.  We need to know the people we are leading, the circumstances that surround us, and what is coming up ahead. Looking ahead and seeing the implications of how things can and will affect those we lead and the environments we lead in are key.   We must think ahead to the impact.

Leaders trust their instincts and are confident in their decisions. No matter what leadership role you have, we must intentionally pay attention to the details so we know and understand timing and it’s effect in all we do.  Making a significant change without proper planning can have a negative impact, even if it is something great.

The everyday leader  listens, is in tune to the circumstances around them and is able to think ahead. This allows us to navigate through decisions and timing as we lead and influence others.

The Every Day Leader, living a life of intentional timing.