My Vital Three

Every Friday, I try to close out the work week with three disciplines. Sometimes when I’m traveling, it takes on a different expression but for the last decade, I’ve been quite consistent with my “Friday Vital Three.” It’s simply yet gives me times to re-center around what’s most important.

1. Friday Follow-Up Call 
I take time with my Executive Assistant to do what I call a “Friday Follow Up Call.” We connect every Friday as a simple recap for the week. I like to know what we have accomplished, what is in progress, and what is ahead for the next week.

This time also allows us to be on the same page and recount some small and large wins. It always sharpens my thinking and will prompt me to stay focused on what’s most important at that time. I love our Friday reconnect!

2. Reflect and Review
I’m privileged to co-lead a couple of great mastermind groups for leaders. One thing we discuss quite often is the value of thinking time. For me, Friday is the perfect time as I have a little more “white space” to think without the press of a full schedule of appointments. Typically, I’ll go to a Barnes and Nobles Bookstore Cafe with my best friend, my journal. I ask myself the following self-leadership questions:

  • How is my family doing? Who should I reconnect with and reclaim my value of “family first”?
  • How is m spiritual heart? Where can I regain a closer spiritual peace?
  • How is business in regards to my goals? Am I focused on priorities that provide the greatest ROI of time?
  • Finally, I update my working punch list for the next 45-days.
Sometimes my thinking time takes a different path or focus but I do try to stay sensitive and in the moment as to what is most pressing/important. It’s amazing how that 50-60 minutes provides the perfect recalibration and clarity.

3. The Leaders Prayer
The prayer changes each week, but here’s an example of one of my journal prayers:

“Dear God, reveal to me cracks in my character. I confess my failings and shortcomings, and thank you for grace and mercy. Reveal to me the power of my influence and keep me centered. Strengthen me daily to fulfill my calling of inspiring others to greatness. Please give me a double portion of wisdom, sustain me, and allow me to flourish within the gift you have provided me. Help me to lead with courage and boldness. Give me faith to believe all things are possible. Let me influence and shine in order to lead others to realize their goals and dreams. Amen.”

Take some time this Friday to create your version of a “Vital Three.” it may be similar to mine or it may be totally different, and that okay!

Here’s to your leadership!
– Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.