The Key to Leadership: Mastering Priorities

Leadership Is Not About Doing More; It’s About Doing What Matters Most

In his book Developing the Leader Within You 2.0, John C. Maxwell underscores the importance of prioritization as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Learning this principle is critical in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, where leaders are often pulled in multiple directions.

Why Priorities Matter in Leadership

Maxwell argues that leadership is about leading oneself and others toward meaningful goals. However, not all activities are created equal. Without clear priorities, leaders risk being busy without being productive—a trap that drains time, energy, and resources.

To excel as a leader, Maxwell emphasizes the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 Rule):
20% of your activities will account for 80% of your desired results.
Identifying and focusing on this vital 20% is the difference between success and mediocrity.

What are your 20% activities that will bring you the 80% results?  Are they the right activities?

This idea aligns with another powerful leadership framework: the Power Score from Geoff Smart’s Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success. According to Smart, leadership effectiveness comes down to three critical elements:
P for Priorities, W for Who (Inner Circle), and R for Relationships.

“The formula is simple: P x W x R = Power Score (Leadeship Effectiveness). But if your Priorities (P) are off—even if you have great people (W) and strong relationships (R)—your organization will still struggle.” – Geoff Smart

A Personal Lesson on Prioritization

When I left the corporate world after 30 years, I had a blank slate and a thousand ideas.

But I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to be busy—I wanted to be intentional.
So before building my coaching and consulting business, I asked myself a simple but powerful question:  “What will give me the highest return and the deepest alignment with my purpose?”  (Read more about my personal story and how learning to prioritize has changed my life)

The answer came quickly:
Get certified by the John Maxwell Leadership Team. 

It wasn’t just about adding credentials. It was about building on a foundation I truly believed in—values-based leadership, personal growth, and transformational coaching. That one decision became the catalyst for everything else. It aligned with who I wanted to be and what I wanted to bring to others.

Shortly after, I joined BNI (World’s largest Referral Marketing Organization). With the strength of the Maxwell brand and a clear sense of purpose, I was able to establish myself as a reputable coach and trainer. I wasn’t doing everything—I was doing the right things. That clarity in priorities helped me gain traction, referrals, and, most importantly, results for my clients.

Steps to Master Prioritization

Here are practical steps inspired by Maxwell and enriched by Power Score:

1. Select What Truly Counts

Ask:

• What gives the highest return?
• What aligns with my mission?

Geoff Smart calls this setting a “clear, focused list of the top 3–5 priorities.” Anything more dilutes the power of focus.

2. Know the Difference Between Importance and Urgency

Urgent tasks scream for attention, but they don’t always move the needle. Important tasks are often quiet—but strategic. Prioritize importance over noise.

3. Delegate and Empower

Delegation isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Maxwell and Smart agree: release what others can do, so you can focus on what only you should do.

4. Create a Priority-Based Schedule

Your calendar should reflect your top priorities, not other people’s emergencies. Protect your time, energy, and focus.

5. Learn to Say No

Each “yes” to the unimportant is a “no” to your purpose. Get clear on what deserves your full presence—and let go of the rest.

The Role of Self-Leadership in Prioritization

Prioritization begins with self-awareness. You can’t lead what you don’t understand—including yourself.

Tools like the Maxwell DISC Assessment offer behavioral insight that helps leaders manage their time, energy, and communication more effectively.

For example, I’m an SC (Steady and Conscientious) type. I bring structure, consistency, and follow-through—qualities that help me stick to systems and stay focused on priorities. But I’ve also had to learn not to get stuck in perfectionism or over-analysis, which can delay action.

That’s the beauty of self-leadership—it helps you manage your tendencies so you can maximize your impact.

Final Thoughts

Maxwell’s advice on priorities is a timeless reminder:
Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

And Geoff Smart’s Power Score reinforces this:
If your priorities are off, everything else suffers—even if you have great people and relationships.

When leaders focus on what matters most, they:
Accomplish more with less effort
Build healthier, more focused teams
Create a lasting, values-driven legacy

So ask yourself:
Are you leading with priorities today?

“You cannot change your life until you change something you do daily.” – John C. Maxwell

“Get your priorities straight. Then surround yourself with the right people and nurture the right relationships. That’s leadership power.” – Geoff Smart