In several books by Stephen Covey, he describes a framework for prioritizing work that is aimed at achieving long-term goals by understanding the lack of need for work on tasks that appear to be urgent, but are in reality less important. He uses a time management 4 box method to categorize tasks on two continuum: are they “urgent” and are they “important”. Users of the method can quickly recognize important tasks may not be urgent, and urgent tasks are not necessarily important.
The short answer is Quadrant II- those tasks that are important but not urgent – is where we need to invest time to be successful in achieving long-term goals.
We use Stephen Covey’s 4 Quadrants framework as part of our leadership development program—alongside other time-tested leadership principles that help leaders prioritize well, lead intentionally, and create lasting impact.
Learn about how your DiSC® style relates to the Covey Quadrants and how this knowledge can help you to understand your natural tendencies and use it to do the right work – in the right way.
