Tyranny of the Urgent

Overview

In 1967, Charles Hummel published a booklet called "Tyranny of the Urgent," which quickly became a business classic. With over one million copies in print, this classic has transformed the minds and hearts of generations of professionals and leaders.

Core Concept: Important vs. Urgent

Hummel argues that there is a regular tension between things that are urgent and things that are important—and far too often, the urgent wins.

The Nature of Urgent vs. Important

The urgent will really fight, claw, and scream for attention, pleading for our time and even making us think we've done the right thing. However, the important patiently and quietly waits for us to realize its significance.

Key Warning

Hummel warned that "your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important."

Practical Applications

In Business

In the business world, demands of your boss, client, or petty office relationships can often take priority over things that actually matter, like thoroughly completing a task or building unity in a work team.

Daily Life

The concept applies to all areas of life where immediate pressures can override long-term priorities and values.

Influence and Legacy

President Eisenhower expressed similar ideas, and later, using Eisenhower's principles, Stephen Covey created a decision matrix in his popular book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."

The urgent/important framework has become a foundational concept in modern time management and productivity thinking.

About the Author

Charles E. Hummel was:

• Former president of Barrington College in Rhode Island
• Director of faculty ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, U.S.A.
• Author and speaker on productivity and spiritual life integration

Publication Details

Originally published in 1967, with a revised edition in 1994. Available as a booklet through InterVarsity Press.

Impact

The booklet's enduring popularity and influence demonstrate the universal challenge of balancing urgent demands with important priorities, making it relevant across decades and cultures.