Time As Currency: Redefining Leadership Through Strategic Time Investment
Welcome back to Modern Hiring Wisdom. In this edition, we explore how effective leaders treat time as their most valuable currency, examine recent labor market trends, and share some exciting company news. Read on for strategic insights and practical guidance to help you navigate today's evolving workplace dynamics.
Time is our most non-renewable resource. At FORTIS, we've observed how the most effective leaders don't simply manage time—they invest it strategically in alignment with their core purpose and values.
What many leaders discover is a significant perception gap between how they think they spend their time versus reality. Harvard Business School research found that after studying 27 CEOs and collecting 60,000 hours of data, "the single most common surprise: CEOs thought they spent lots of time with customers. In fact, few of them really did."
This disconnect highlights the importance of conducting what we call a "time audit"—visually mapping where your hours actually go through color-coding your calendar across categories like:
- Client/customer interaction
- Team development
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
- Administrative tasks
- Personal renewal
Through our work with Southern California organizations, we've observed several critical factors that separate time managers from time investors:
- Understanding biological reality: Recognizing that the human brain works in oscillating patterns, not continuous output. Research shows that after 90-120 minutes of focused work, cognitive performance begins to decline significantly.
- Creating permission structures: How leaders allocate time creates unspoken expectations for the entire organization. When you schedule back-to-back meetings with no breaks, you signal that perpetual busyness is expected.
- Balancing three dimensions: Effective time investment requires balance across professional growth, relationship development, and personal renewal. When any dimension receives disproportionate investment, leadership effectiveness suffers.
One crucial insight we've gained is that meaningful effectiveness trumps perfect efficiency. The most successful leaders recognize that sometimes, the most productive thing they can do is pause.
We're thrilled to announce that FORTIS was recently honored as the winner in the "Family Business Catalyst" category at Cal State Fullerton's 7th Annual Hall of Fame Awards!
Our team was delighted to attend the ceremony at the Westin Anaheim Resort and receive this meaningful recognition. "This honor reflects the collective energy, dedication, and trust that's gone into the relationships we've built," shared Kira Bruno.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CSUF Center for Family Business and the many family businesses who have trusted us to help build their leadership teams and support them through transitions of growth and succession. It truly is a privilege to be part of this vibrant, values-driven community.
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The latest labor market data shows encouraging signs of stability and measured growth. February's employment report revealed the economy added 275,000 jobs, exceeding economists' expectations, while the unemployment rate remained stable at 3.9%.
Particularly noteworthy for our sectors:
- Professional and business services added 22,000 jobs in February
- Financial activities employment continues to show resilience
- Wages increased 4.3% year-over-year, outpacing inflation
In our local Southern California market, we continue to see strong demand for finance, accounting, and HR leadership roles. Organizations are especially seeking professionals who can demonstrate strategic time management skills—those who can balance execution with relationship-building and personal renewal.
Companies continue to emphasize operational excellence and strategic growth, leading to sustained hiring activity for key positions that drive these initiatives. The professionals most in demand are those who can not only manage time efficiently but invest it strategically to create maximum organizational impact.
We're excited to announce the release of our 2025 Southern California Compensation Guide, featuring detailed salary data and market insights for Finance, Accounting, and HR roles across the region. This comprehensive resource reflects the nuanced reality of our evolving workplace, from shifting benefits packages to emerging compensation trends. Whether you're planning your hiring budget, evaluating market rates, or making strategic workforce decisions, this essential guide will help you navigate the year ahead with confidence.
" Leaders are responsible for creating an environment where people can be at their best.”
— Simon Sinek
At FORTIS, we're committed to helping businesses and professionals navigate the ever-changing landscape of work in Southern California. Whether you're seeking top talent, exploring new leadership models, or looking to understand your worth in the market, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and insights. Until next time, stay strong and stay focused on your goals.