I’m so excited to dive into today’s topic because it’s something we all struggle with: time. It’s one of the most valuable resources we have, yet so many people don’t treat it that way. No matter what your role is in your business, valuing your time (and others’) is key to building a thriving business and culture.
Why Time Matters
Just yesterday, I had a conversation with a client about this very issue—how people don’t value their own time or anyone else’s in the business. You know the scenario: you’re in the middle of a meeting, and suddenly five different people interrupt. The start-stop chaos completely derails the flow, and before you know it, a 15-minute meeting turns into 45 minutes of going in circles. Sound familiar?
Undervaluing your time shows up in all areas of your business. From procrastination to back-to-back meetings, it seeps into the culture and impacts everything.
If you don’t value your time, how can you expect anyone else to?
Let’s break this down into actionable steps that will help you not only take back your time but also lead with purpose and inspire your team to do the same.
Step 1: Put Intention Behind Your Time
The first thing I want you to do is get crystal clear on the intention behind how you spend your time. Why are you scheduling that meeting? Why are you working on that project? Every action should connect to the bigger picture you’re trying to create in your business and life.
When we lack intention, we start operating on autopilot. We take meetings because “that’s just what we do” or set goals without understanding why they matter. But when you know the why behind your actions, it brings clarity and purpose. This clarity allows you to communicate the importance of time to your team and make it part of your company’s culture.
Set Boundaries and Be Ruthless with Your Schedule
Create boundaries. Get clear on your priorities. For me, that means structuring my week with theme days: two days are for coaching, and two days are for meetings, research, and planning. When you set clear expectations for yourself and your team, you prevent those endless “quick chats” from derailing your whole day.
Step 2: Respect Your Time and Others’ Time
Respect is a two-way street. If you expect your team to respect your time, you need to respect theirs, too. That means setting clear expectations about when and how you’re available. It also means staying focused and present in meetings or conversations, with as few distractions as possible. That means not “squeezing people in” or being “squeezed in” to someone’s calendar.
Here are some things to keep in mind to respect people’s time.
Eliminate Distractions for More Impactful Conversations
Being distracted during a meeting is one of the quickest ways to erode trust and connection. You’ve probably experienced the frustration of talking to someone who’s busy answering emails or scrolling through their phone. It can feel like you’re not important, even if that’s not the other person’s intention.
As a business leader, entrepreneur, or even in your personal life, it’s essential to be fully present in your conversations. When you give someone your undivided attention, they feel heard and understood, and the quality of your interaction increases dramatically. Even difficult conversations go more smoothly when people know they have your complete focus.
Set Themed Days or Time Blocks for Focus
A powerful way to respect your own time is to set themed days or time blocks. This could mean setting specific days for meetings, planning, action, or reflection. If a full themed day doesn’t fit your schedule, break it into smaller blocks of time. The goal is to align your tasks with your energy and mental focus.
For example, you could have mornings dedicated to deep work—writing, planning, or research—while afternoons are reserved for meetings or collaboration. By dedicating specific time to different tasks, you reduce the mental strain of constantly switching gears. Plus, you can stay more focused on the task at hand, knowing that you’ll have designated time to tackle other responsibilities later.
Honor Meeting Times and Schedules
When you tell someone a meeting will be 15 minutes, stick to that time. Overextending meetings leads to wasted time and creates frustration, especially if the other person has other commitments. Keeping things on schedule shows respect for both your time and theirs, which strengthens professional relationships and builds trust.
Communicate Expectations to Your Team and Clients
In business, setting boundaries isn’t just about respecting your time—it’s about teaching your team and clients to value theirs too. When everyone operates with clear expectations, there’s less room for confusion and frustration.
Valuing Time Enhances Leadership and Team Culture
When you value your time and set strong boundaries, your team will follow suit. A well-structured schedule creates a more efficient, harmonious work environment. Meetings run on time, projects stay on target, and the team feels more connected and productive.
By creating a culture of respect for time, your team becomes more effective, and you, as a leader, can guide them toward greater success. Plus, this approach leaves room for you to focus on higher-level thinking and problem-solving.
The Legacy of Valuing Time
Ultimately, the way you manage your time can have a profound impact on your life and those around you. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about building deeper, more meaningful connections with the people you interact with daily. Remember: The legacy you build is not about the tasks you check off but the lives you impact along the way. Make each moment count.
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