15 Dec The Leadership Audit: Are You Spending Time on What Truly Matters

Leadership is a juggling act. Strategy meetings, operational check-ins, addressing urgent issues—the demands on a business leader’s time often seem endless. In the midst of it all, how often do we pause to ask ourselves: Am I spending my time where it delivers the most value?

For many leaders, this question isn’t just a moment of introspection—it’s a call to realign priorities. Effective leadership requires focusing on what truly matters for the long-term health of an organization. Easier said than done, right? That’s why I’ve found it helpful to walk CEOs and other leaders through what I call a “leadership audit.”

This process involves asking four simple but powerful questions to evaluate how you’re spending your time and whether it aligns with your broader goals.

1) Are You Spending Enough Time on Strategy?

Leaders are the vision-keepers of their organizations. Without your focus on long-term strategy, who is steering the ship toward future opportunities?

If you’re caught up in the minutiae of operational details, you may find it challenging to carve out time for strategic planning. This is where having a strong COO or operational leader can make all the difference—they can keep the day-to-day on track while you focus on where the business is headed.

2) What Tasks Are You Holding Onto That Should Be Delegated?

As leaders, we often take pride in being hands-on, but there’s a fine line between involvement and micromanagement. Are there tasks you’re holding onto that someone else could handle—maybe even better than you?

Delegation isn’t just about freeing up your schedule. It’s also about building trust and empowering your team. When you invest in your people by giving them more responsibility, you create space for them to grow into leaders themselves.

3) Are Your Efforts Aligned With the Organization’s Mission and Goals?

It’s easy to get caught in the weeds of operational fires or “urgent” but unimportant tasks. The real question is whether your time is advancing the broader vision of your organization.

If the answer is “no,” it’s time to reassess. Take a step back and evaluate who on your team can help take some of the heavy lifting off your plate so you can refocus on driving the company toward its mission.

4) Are You Prioritizing Time for Reflection and Growth?

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s also about growing yourself. Whether through reading, networking, or simply carving out time to think, leaders need to invest in their own development.

Ask yourself: When was the last time you had an uninterrupted hour to step back and reflect? The most impactful ideas often come during moments of quiet contemplation, not while rushing from meeting to meeting.

The Bottom Line

As leaders, we don’t just manage businesses—we manage ourselves. Conducting a leadership audit can help ensure that your time is being spent on what truly matters. It’s not just about productivity; it’s about purpose. Aligning your time with your organization’s mission and your personal growth as a leader can have a transformative impact on your business and your own fulfillment.

If you’d like help in doing an audit, I can help. You can contact me here via my website or email me directly at michael@consultstraza.com.