Staying in Quadrant 2 improves student learning

So I am attending my third Principals' Training Conference (PTC). The opportunity for deep learning always amazes me. The course I am in now, The Effective Principal, is steeped in both thought provoking and practical ideas around the Principalship.

One practical idea presented is around Steven Covey's Four Quadrants for Time Management. This time management grid separates tasks into was is important and urgent. Quadrant 2 (Q2) is where tasks deemed important, but not urgent lie.

Q2 is where reflection, planning, and relationship building occurs. It is where big ideas are generated, planned and implemented. If a leader (and leadership team) can spend more time in Q2, then more of the really important work that has a real impact on student learning will take place.