At the encouragement of my assistant, Cindy Beall, I read the book, Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. In his book he mentions how important it is to identify the most important priorities in life.  He writes:

"Eighty-five percent of what we do, anyone can do: checking e-mail, answering messages, reading and making small decisions. Ten percent of what we do, someone with a modicum of training should be able to accomplish. With appropriate schooling and experience, someone else can perform a surgery, manage a project, or sell real estate. But the 5 percent of what I do, only I can do!"

How many of us fill our days with the 85% because we 'have to'? Then on top of that we kick in the other 10% and have little if anything left for the most important 5%? We even rationalize away the 5% for the 85% instead of the other way around! The 5 % will determine the validity of the 95%. And since 5% really does impact the other 95% why are we surprised when we can't seem to get things done, are haggard, mad, sad, worried, depressed, stressed and repairing relationships all the time?

I can make several analogies for being a leader, a productive employee, parent, associate, and so can you. If you spend all your time working on the 85-95% and neglect the 5%, you won't be effective. It will be because you've majored in the minors regarding priorities. Whether it's starting a new job, doing your present job, building relationships, parenting, being married, or whatever it is, I suggest you figure out what that 5% is!  

No one else can be you. You can't hire someone else to be you and do only what you can do. Your 5 percent will determine the validity of your 95%. 

What would you suggest are the top 5% for a new COO of a hospital?

My sharing this 30 second video is not an endorsement of SUBARU but check out this dad's 5%....