
Priorities
A couple of weeks ago, I asked my team to define the word “priorities.” Their responses
were spot on: “main focus, importance, consistency, safety, and order.” Then, I asked
them to share what they believe are some of our top priorities for campus grounds. I
was pleased to hear answers like “appearance, safety, removing dead plants, tree
health, mowing, litter, and weeds.” As a team responsible for maintaining the visual
appeal of our campus, these answers reflected an understanding of our key
responsibilities and therefore our priorities.
As a leader, it’s essential that your team knows your organization’s priorities. You will
always have more than one. Take a moment to ask your team what their priorities are in
relation to their daily tasks. You might receive a variety of answers, but that’s an
opportunity to define and align those priorities with your organization’s goals. Our job as
leaders is to clarify what we truly do for our customers and help our team succeed in
delivering that.
As basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy said, “Your decisions reveal your priorities.”
Knowing your priorities means more than just identifying them—it’s about revisiting them
regularly and putting them into action.
For our grounds team, the ultimate goal is to create beautiful, safe, and welcoming
outdoor spaces that not only enhance campus life but also help with recruitment and
provide inspiring study areas. Our priority is to focus on the tasks that make the campus
attractive and safe for everyone.
So, take the time to cultivate your priorities. Define them, communicate them, and
empower your team to achieve them.
Go cultivate your priorities,
— Jeff