Meeting Topic
Time Management & Prioritization: Regaining Control to Lead with Impact
Meeting Resources
Meeting Summary
Six weeks into 2026, supervisors reflected on how quickly the year can shift into reactive “firefighting.” Poll responses showed that while some leaders feel in control of their calendars, many swing between proactive planning and urgent response depending on the day.
This session focused on helping supervisors move from reacting to leading with intention. We explored the “Supervisor’s Dilemma”: your time is limited, yet it is often the first thing interrupted. When urgent requests consistently take priority, important leadership work — coaching, planning, developing yourself and your people — gets pushed aside.
Supervisors were introduced to practical tools to regain control, including the Eisenhower Matrix to clarify priorities, a simple weekly “9-Minute Monday” ritual to center people-first leadership, and strategic time blocking to protect high-impact work. Participants also shared strategies that are working across campus, such as blocking lunch, building meeting buffers, and creating no-meeting windows.
The meeting concluded with live feedback to strengthen supervisor onboarding, with a focus on clarity, structured support, and making it easier for new leaders to understand expectations and resources from the start.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent requests are not always the most important work.
- Small, consistent leadership habits prevent bigger problems later.
- Your calendar reflects your leadership priorities.
- Professional development time on your calendar for you and your employees should be unmovable. It is a commitment to yourself and your team.
Action Steps
- Block 9 minutes next Monday morning before opening email to focus on your team's care, growth, and recognition needs.
- Identify one task you can delegate and one strategic activity you will protect on your calendar.
- Set one non-negotiable boundary (lunch, focus time, no-meeting window) and communicate it clearly.
- Find a LinkedIn Learning course or professional development workshop to register for and label it as "Priority" on your work calendar.
Next Meeting
March 19, 2026