Build a People-Centric Calendar

January 1, I wrote, “Look at your calendar. Is it filled with ‘what’ and ‘when?’ Resolve that your calendar will reflect relationship building.

Efficiency is a tool. Humanity is the fuel.” (Relationship Resolutions for Leaders)

Edgar commented, “Curious about calendars filled with ‘what’ and ‘when’. What does that look like? And what is the alternative to ‘who’ and ‘why’?”

Build a People-Centric Calendar

Do you see people or tasks when you look at your calendar?

• Efficiency answers: “What gets done?”
• Humanity answers: “Who gets stronger?”

Transactional meetings are always part of the job.

What and When

A what/when calendar is task-centric and transaction-driven. It looks like:

• Budget review 10:00
• Marketing update 10:30
• Pipeline meeting 11:00
• Project X status 1:00
• Weekly ops 3:00

Who and Why

A who/why calendar is people-centric and purpose-driven. It looks like:

• 1-on-1 with Maria re: growth + workload
• Check-in with Carl re: new role stress
• Lunch with Cindy re: career goals
• Debrief with team re: what we learned from our last successful project
• Coffee with Alex re: morale and motivation

A people-centric calendar answers three questions.

1. Who is this for?
2. Why does this matter to them?
3. What do they need right now?

What/when is part of leadership. But efficiency often minimizes humanity.

The difference? What/when is task-driven. A people-centric calendar includes the person.

What does your calendar say about your leadership?

What shifts enable leaders to become more people-centric?

The Secret to Managing Your Schedule isn’t about Your Calendar

Get Gary Hamel’s book Humanocracy.