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.
No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.
I shall lend credit to nothing against my people which parents would not believe against their own children.
The team that trusts-their leader and each other-is more likely to be successful.
Well I do think, when there are more women, that the tone of the conversation changes, and also the goals of the conversation change. But it doesn't mean that the whole world would be a lot better if it were totally run by women. If you think that, you've forgotten high school.
I never did anything alone. Whatever was accomplished in this country was accomplished collectively.
I've always believed that no officer's life, regardless of rank, is of such great value to his country that he should seek safety in the rear... Officers should be forward with their men at the point of impact.
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