• People in my office have true forlorn looks on their faces
• Everyone is moving a little slower
• The fire alarm is being tested ALL DAY! 

Here is what has been going through my ears the past half hour.

"Attention! Attention! An emergency has been reported in this building.  Please cease operations and leave the building utilizing the nearest exit or fire exit stairway.  Do not use elevators.  Repeat - do not use elevators!"

As I continue to hear this message over and over, one word continues to remind me of leadership, and that word is "Emergency."

As a leader facing a new year (and a new decade), here is a simple, yet effective leadership tip that will allow you to gain the trust and respect of your team, and that is...

Not everything is an EMERGENCY!

In 2010, our companies are going to continue to want us to produce results quicker and faster and better.  Poor leaders will respond by sending out messages asking for something ASAP or "right away" because it is an...

You guessed it!  An "EMERGENCY!"

Successful leaders need to be able to prioritize what an emergency is and what an emergency is not.  Your employees will respect the fact that you label only true emergencies as "emergencies."

Now get out there and start 2010 by making smart choices regarding emergencies...

and remember, "...do not use elevators!  Repeat - do not use elevators."

Yup...it's definitely Monday...