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.
The difficulty with businessmen entering politics, after they've had a successful business career, is that they want to start at the top.
Within the U.N. itself, I have appointed a record number of women to high-level positions. I did not fill jobs with women just for the sake of it - I looked for the best possible candidate, and I found that if you strip away discrimination, the best possible candidate is often a woman.
A President's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right.
It has been suggested by some people in this country that I and my government will be a "soft touch" in the [European] Community. In case such a rumour may have reached your ears, Mr Chancellor... it is only fair that I should advise you frankly to dismiss it (as my own colleagues did, long ago). We shall judge what British interests are and we shall be resolute in defending them.
My only agenda for the next two years is the same as the one I’ve had since the day I swore an oath on the steps of this Capitol — to do what I believe is best for America.
Many people in management are being paid to produce waste.
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