Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

June 26, 2025

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published Monday to Friday, equipping you to achieve your professional goals faster and without burnout or overwhelm by leveraging The Triple Win Method.

True Urgency vs. Poor Planning

Howdy ,

The questions are still coming in. Here is another response I got:

"Interesting, are you saying if we have an urgent matter we I should attend or pull someone I know who can be insightful into a meeting without prior notice? How much time is prior notice? Sometime we use relational currency in this meeting to achieve a goal or target. If you want to be seen different in the work place preferably my senior/top management how does one go about it"

Let me share my response here…you might find it valuable.

“Good questions you asked. Let me clarify:

Urgent vs. Last-minute planning: True emergencies exist, but they're rare. Most "urgent" meetings are actually poor planning disguised as emergencies.

Prior notice: I typically need a bit of time for meaningful preparation before going into meetings. This allows me to review context, prepare thoughtful input, and potentially suggest more efficient alternatives. Better to show up with value than just mark time in the meeting. How much prior notice depends on you. I prefer at least 1 - 2 hours.

Relational currency: Absolutely valid point. However, I've found that protecting your time actually builds relational currency. When you're selective, your "yes" carries more weight. Senior leaders respect people who value their own time because it signals you'll value theirs too.

Standing out to top management: Here's the counterintuitive truth - always being available makes you forgettable. Great leaders notice people who:

- Ask insightful questions before committing

- Suggest efficient alternatives

- Deliver exceptional results because they're focused

- Protect their team's time

The key is saying “No” respectfully while offering alternatives: "I can't join today, but here's my input via email" or "Let's schedule 30 minutes tomorrow so I can give this proper attention."

In my own view, quality contribution counts more than perfect attendance.

Yes, I agree that there may be times that you get pulled last-minute into meetings. But try to not make a habit of it. Make people know that your time is valuable and your contributions come from a place of preparation to be worthwhile for the meeting.”

Let me add a bit more here:

The 1-Hour Preparation Rule: The 1-2 hours notice is for meaningful preparation. Not because I'm difficult, but because showing up prepared is more valuable than just marking time in a meeting.

True Emergency: Building evacuation, system failure affecting operations, client crisis requiring immediate response

Poor Planning: "I have a presentation tomorrow and need your input," "The CEO just asked about this project," "Let's brainstorm solutions to this ongoing issue."

Your Preparation Action Plan:

At your next urgent meeting request, try: "I want to give this proper attention. Can we schedule this for [specific time] so I can prepare meaningful input?"

Quality contribution beats perfect attendance every time.

As always, keep winning at work and in life.

Tola Akinsulire

Your Strategic Workplace Mentor

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