As soon as I came in as leader, we had seven weeks to an election, so we had to be entirely focused on the job we had in front of us.
Interpretation
A leader must prioritize and focus on immediate tasks to achieve success.
In this quote, Jacinda Ardern emphasizes the importance of being dedicated and focused on the responsibilities at hand, especially in the lead-up to critical events like elections. It underscores the necessity for leaders to direct their attention to the vital tasks and challenges they face in order to effectively guide their teams and succeed in their objectives.
In practice
During a team meeting about upcoming projects, I shared this quote to highlight our need for focus.
We've had a debate about immigration in New Zealand for some time. Now what we're trying to champion in that conversation is a recognition that New Zealand has been built off immigration. I myself am a third-generation New Zealander.
One of the things I'm so determined to preserve and restore is the fact that you can be the kid who was born in Dinsdale and find yourself working for the British government in the U.K., to being prime minister.
We must listen to the concerns of our people without dismissing them. When people see something wrong, there is something wrong. When our people see corruption, it means there is corruption. When our people see that their resources are being stolen by certain people, it means this is happening, and we should listen.
Any smart executive understands that to find the best talent she has to explore new territory that lies beyond familiar geography. That applies not only to gender, but also to race, religion, background and age.
I propose not our enemies as an example for our general imitation, yet, as their navy is the best regulated of any in the world, we must, in some degree, imitate them and aim at such farther improvement as may one day make ours vie with - and exceed - theirs.
Governments move armies, but only individuals can move hearts.
It was not a religion that attacked us that September day. It was al-Qaeda. We will not sacrifice the liberties we cherish or hunker down behind walls of suspicion and mistrust.
The ability to change one's views without losing one's seat is the mark of a great politician.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.