
In leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of tasks, demands, and distractions. But the truth is, success doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the right things. “Where the eye goes, action must flow.” The matrix above is a powerful tool. It helps you prioritize. It allows you to reclaim control of your time and energy. I don’t recall where I found this image; but in my travels it’s certainly proven useful. I recently shared it with a fellow leader on my team, which sparked desire to share.
We practice living by strong principles daily. As a leader and coach in hospitality and the founder of Do Right Be Great, we embrace this approach. Principles like “Do it now” and “Deliver +1” prove to be helpful in our quest for success. However, we still have to lean into the value of strategy. Let’s break this image down, quadrant by quadrant. Let’s find out how it applies to leaders in hospitality, and those in any position needing clarity and results.
1. Do it Now (Urgent + Important)
This is where the fire is. These are your time-sensitive, high-priority tasks. Think of an unsettled guest waiting at the host stand or an associate needing immediate support to prevent a service failure. These moments require quick action and your #1 focus.
Your mindset here? Be proactive, not reactive. Handle it, handle it well, and then move on.
2. Schedule it (Not Urgent + Important)
This is where the magic of growth happens. This is sometimes a challenge for me… But, these are the tasks that build your future: training your team, strategizing for the next quarter, or crafting initiatives to enrich your workplace culture. They aren’t screaming for attention, but they’re the foundation of long-term success. Schedule these into your calendar and treat them like gold. Be sure to review your calendar daily, and often, as to not loose track.
3. Delegate it (Urgent + Not Important)
You don’t need to be a hero. Some tasks demand urgency but don’t require your unique expertise. Learning the difference between scheduling, and delegating… now that’s a Grade A skill set right there…
Maybe it’s sorting inventory, handling routine maintenance calls, or addressing minor guest or associate concerns. This is where you lean on your team. Delegating doesn’t mean you’re shirking responsibility—it means you trust your people. Like I say: “Drive it like you stole it, polish it like you own it” – yet the caveat is let others take the wheel when appropriate. 🙂
4. Delete it (Not Urgent + Not Important)
Yes, is the answer… most often… but you can [and should] say no.
Scrolling through emails that don’t matter, attending that one unnecessary meeting (better handled by someone else), or obsessing over small details that won’t move the needle—these are distractions.
Delete distractions. They dilute your focus and rob you of your potential. Let them go. You’ve got bigger things to tackle.
The DRBG Takeaway:
Leadership is about clarity, grit, and impact. Using this prioritization matrix, you can eliminate the overwhelm and focus on what truly matters—both for your associates and guests. Remember, great leaders aren’t just busy; they’re intentional.
So, as you navigate your day, ask yourself: What’s urgent? What’s important? And what’s not worth my time? The answers will guide you. But you gotta filter it… but don’t waste your time over thinking it either…
Prioritize like it matters—because it does.
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