Juggling Elephants: Finding Balance in Leadership.
My predecessor, Carolyn Griffith recommended the book "Juggling Elephants: An Easier Way to Get Your Most Important Things Done—Now!" by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig and am so grateful for her recommendation. I have taken that book to heart and learned many lessons from it.
This book describes leadership as juggling multiple priorities, but leaders aren’t juggling balls—they’re juggling elephants. The problems are big, the stakes are high, and dropping one has significant consequences. The challenge isn’t about trying to carry the weight alone but about learning how to balance priorities, endure challenges, and distribute responsibility effectively.
Endurance in Leadership
As I have grown in my leadership journey, especially this past year and a half, I have learned that great leaders don’t shy away from challenges; they embrace them with endurance. It is easy to get derailed by a situation that is a tangled web of issues. It is easy to get derailed when you feel like you are in a no-win circumstance. The ability to remain steadfast during difficult times is what separates effective leaders from the rest. There are three ways I have found to remain steadfast.
Stay adaptable. I’ve learned that no plan survives first contact with reality. There have been times when I thought I had everything figured out, only to have circumstances change instantly. I’ve had to remind myself that flexibility in approach, while staying firm on core values, is essential to moving forward.
Control what you can. I’ve faced situations where things felt completely out of my control, and it would have been easy to spiral into frustration. But I’ve realized that focusing on what I can influence—whether it’s my response, my team’s morale, or the next best step—keeps momentum moving forward, even in uncertainty.
Lead with optimism. I’ve seen firsthand how my mindset directly impacts those around me. When I stay calm and solution-oriented, my team follows suit. But when I let stress or negativity take over, it spreads quickly. Leadership requires resilience, and choosing optimism helps keep people focused on solutions instead of problems.
Finding Balance: Knowing What to Prioritize
Leaders must make intentional choices about which “elephants” deserve the most attention. Prioritization is key to sustainable success. To make my life sustainable, I always fall back on four ways to prioritize my efforts.
Employees First – My team is my greatest asset, and I make it a priority to invest in their well-being, development, and engagement. When I focus on creating an environment where they feel valued and supported, I see better morale, stronger performance, and a more motivated workforce.
Fiscal Responsibility – Managing taxpayer dollars is a tremendous responsibility, and I know that financial stewardship is one of my most important duties. I make it a point to know the budget inside and out, ensuring that every dollar is used strategically to balance growth with responsibility. I’ve seen how informed financial decisions lead to long-term sustainability and success.
Forward-Facing Initiatives and Community Collaboration – I believe that leadership isn’t just about managing today—it’s about building for the future. That’s why I work hard to collaborate with community partners, strengthening resources and creating opportunities for long-term success. Strong partnerships make a big difference, and I’ve found that when we work together toward a shared vision, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.
Small Course Corrections with Empathy – Over time, I’ve realized that leadership is a balance of guidance and grace. Holding people accountable is necessary, but I’ve also learned the importance of doing so with empathy. I strive to be clear and direct while also understanding the challenges my team faces. As Brené Brown says, “Clear is kind.” Transparency and fairness create trust, and that trust strengthens alignment within the team.
Leadership That Endures
Enduring through challenges isn’t about avoiding difficulties but about managing them with wisdom and resilience. Leaders who master the balance between priorities, fiscal responsibility, and people-centric leadership are the ones who create lasting impact.
As the saying goes:
"Effective leaders don’t try to juggle elephants. They train them to dance in rhythm."
By focusing on what truly matters, staying adaptable, and leading with both decisiveness and empathy, leaders can transform overwhelming responsibilities into coordinated progress.
