Hardwired Priorities

It was lunchtime at the North American Headquarters, and like the rest of the corporate cattle, I was in line with my tray and ready to make the crucial decision between the roast beef wrap or the grilled chicken sandwich when I noticed the man in front of me.

He looked like he was fresh from the in-house gym and made eye contact with me while we were in line and smiled. The president of the most crucial brand in the company, Eric Anderson, smiled and we exchanged greetings. I commented on his workout attire, and asked how he had time to fit working out into his day.

I was several levels below him and with a fraction of the responsibility and pressure, and the thought of unplugging in the middle of the day was something I couldn't fathom. In his usual succinct and to the point style, he fired off a quick maxim that I have never forgotten:

"You have to hardwire your priorities."

He continued to share in the 45 seconds we had in line that he plugged his priorities, the most important things first, into his calendar. Then he let the rest fall in to necessary spots around those priorities.

I don't think I have ever fully lived up to that simple idea as much as I have tried, but I have never forgotten that 45 second conversation that taught me a lesson that is worthy to be shared.

Thanks, Eric.

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