I don’t know about you, but my calendar is full of meetings, projects and deadlines! It is truly a reflection of my priorities and helps me manage where my time, energy and focus go. I am also very intentional in my everyday plan. If I said yes to everything, then I would have to say no to something else. Those no’s might include a personal goal, an important project and maybe even some time that I need for myself to recharge.
When I say, “That’s not something I’m available for this week”, it is not about being dismissive but instead about setting a boundary. The boundary protects my other priorities. I must use my valuable time wisely! By setting this boundary, it keeps me focused, prevents burnout and lets me give my best to projects that I do say yes to!
So, the next time something comes in or gets added to your calendar that doesn’t fit your current priorities, don’t be afraid to say, “That’s not something I’m available for this week”. Others will respect it and it will create more space for the work (and life) that truly matters to you!
Our last sentence that we are going to talk about is “I’m not going to step in on this one – you’ve got it.” As a leader, sometimes we think it’s just easier to jump in and fix things when we see a problem or a challenge. We want to help, prevent mistakes and just keep everything moving smoothly. But by not doing this, we can give our team the chance to grow.
By allowing our team to figure out the situation, make decisions and learn from the outcome we are helping them grow. Sometimes those outcomes are wins and sometimes losses, but either way it’s a lesson. This phrase is also more than delegation; it’s a vote of confidence. It’s telling them that you trust their judgment. It is also believing in them that they can handle it and for you a reminder that you don’t have to do everything!
By stepping back, we are not disengaging but instead guiding them. We are creating space for them to step forward and discover strengths that they didn’t know they had. As I often say, sometimes you need to pause. Instead of taking over, ask yourself is this is a time that you can lead from the sidelines? By stepping back, you might find that your team steps up!
As a recap, here are the six sentences that belong in your vocabulary:
- I can’t take that on right now
- That decision is yours to make, not mine
- I need you to bring me a solution, not just the problem
- I trust you to handle this — let me know how it goes.
- That’s not something I’m available for this week
- I’m not going to step in on this one – you’ve got it
I challenge you to try one of these sentences in the next week and let me know how it changes the conversation for both you and your team!
