Semler on Urgency

This entry was posted by svec on Tuesday, 29 July, 2008 at

Ricardo Semler says:

“The real difference between important and urgent is the difference between thoughtfulness and panic.”

From his September 1989 article in HBR, “Managing Without Managers.”

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Category: project management
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4 Comments to Semler on Urgency

  1. smoothmanager says:

    July 30th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Important: Stuff that should definitely be done, but not today.
    Urgent: Stuff that should definitely be done as soon as possible.

  2. cacklinginmycube says:

    July 30th, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    ha, i guess that guy checks all things tagged management/project management. i hope we all feel enlightened now, and deem it urgent to read his insightful blog :)

  3. svec says:

    July 30th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    smoothmanager, perhaps I didn’t include enough context.

    Semler is talking about myths in the workplace:

    “[Myth:] This problem is urgent. Come on. The real difference between ‘important’ and ‘urgent’ is the difference between thoughtfulness and panic.”

    Unfortunately I can’t find a pdf on the web, but you can buy it from HBR online.

  4. smoothmanager says:

    August 1st, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    Thanks for the answer svec.

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