Episode 308: Is your leadership strategy unintentionally killing the urgency your team needs to succeed?
If you’re leading a team in the middle of a big change or a multi-year strategy rollout, you already know how hard it is to get people moving faster without burning them out or coming off like a micromanaging jerk. This episode is your guide to solving that leadership dilemma—so your team follows through with energy, clarity, and momentum.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
-
Why saying “we need more urgency” usually backfires—and what to say instead
-
Five communication habits that instantly create clarity, reduce friction, and build sustainable speed
-
How to remove hidden roadblocks (like risk-aversion, false urgency, and burnout) that quietly kill follow-through
If you’re ready to lead your team with focus, urgency, and humanity, hit play and grab five powerful skills you can use today.
Building a Culture of Urgency Without Burning Out
00:00 — Why Urgency Fails (and What to Do Instead)
Many leaders unintentionally undermine the urgency they want by using vague language, such as “be more committed.” This episode provides practical leadership strategies to help your team follow through more efficiently, without resentment or confusion.
04:41 — Urgency Means Different Things to Different People
“Urgent” can mean “drop everything” to one person and “end of the week” to another. David explains why aligning definitions is one of the most overlooked leadership strategies.
05:59 — Schedule the Finish: Your Secret Weapon
The first of five key communication skills—“scheduling the finish”—ensures accountability by putting clear, agreed-upon deadlines on the calendar. This strategy beats vague due dates every time.
07:49 — How to Handle Routine Tasks with Urgency
For recurring responsibilities, group tasks into buckets and create shared expectations. Effective leadership strategies must apply the same clarity to routine work as to one-off projects.
08:46 — Delegated Work Needs Finish Lines Too
Unclear commitments slow teams down. David demonstrates how to schedule finish lines for hallway conversations and quick chats, making follow-through predictable and reliable.
Leadership Strategies to Overcome Urgency Roadblocks
10:52 — Check for Understanding, Not Agreement
“Do you understand?” is not enough. Leaders must verify shared comprehension by asking team members to articulate next steps and timelines in their own words—one of the most underrated leadership strategies for reducing delays.
11:48 — Five-by-Five Communication for Faster Execution
Communicating key messages five times, five different ways, ensures they stick. Use this method to reinforce not just what to do, but why it’s urgent, without overwhelming your team.
13:44 — Address Conflicting Priorities Head-On
Leaders often confuse by avoiding tough conversations about values like speed vs. quality. Strategic leaders resolve those conflicts explicitly, giving their teams clear direction and confidence to act.
15:20 — Why You Must Close the Loop
Failing to acknowledge follow-through—or letting tasks die in silence—kills momentum. Celebrating completions and holding people accountable sends a clear message: urgency matters here.
21:36 — Practicing Urgency at a Human Scale
Sustainable leadership strategies recognize that no one can sprint forever. David shares tips for knowing when to push and when to pause—so your team can stay energized and avoid burnout.
0 Comments