• Collect all the options—what could we do? Make a comprehensive list of everything that you can think of.
• Remember your purpose—review what you are really trying to do. What is the ultimate goal, and how does your area fit?
• Make an initial division—narrow it down to the A list, top 10, most important. Whatever you call it, divide the list into two to three parts.
• Debate and choose—discuss the value of your A list, pick what is #1, then #2, then #3. This now becomes your critical path. Saying yes to one is saying no to all the rest.
• Hold accountable—just because we said it doesn’t mean that we are doing it. Hold yourself to your list.

Opening Questions

1. Why is priority so hard?
   A. Because it involves making a choice that will be criticized.
2. Do you like priorities?
3. What’s the difference between priority #1 and pet projects?
   A. Pet projects are normally what is important to a person as opposed to the purpose.

Closing Thoughts

• Don’t forget to communicate your priority list. Your priorities should not be hidden.
• Pick a way to keep your comprehensive list observable and easy to add to.
• No sense of priority is sure way to invite conflict to your team. Do the work to prioritize.