Addressing issues in the present moment enhances leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. Immediacy involves tackling concerns directly rather than avoiding or delaying them.
This skill fosters transparency, strengthens relationships, and ensures that challenges are managed proactively rather than escalating into larger conflicts.
Practical Exercise: The “24-Hour Rule”
Commit to addressing concerns within 24 hours instead of postponing them.
How to Practice:
- When an issue arises, pause and assess the best way to address it calmly and constructively.
- Have a direct conversation with the person involved within 24 hours.
- Use this simple structure:
- State the issue factually (“I noticed there was confusion about roles in today’s meeting.”)
- Express why it matters (“If we clarify responsibilities now, we can avoid delays later.”)
- Invite collaboration on a solution (“How do you think we can address this moving forward?”)
Action Step: The next time an issue arises, apply the 24-Hour Rule and note the impact of handling it immediately.