Liquidity

In accounting circles liquidity is defined as -

1. The degree to which an asset or security can be bought or sold in the market without affecting the asset's price. Liquidity is characterized by a high level of trading activity. Assets that can by easily bought or sold, are known as liquid assets.

2. The ability to convert an asset to cash quickly. Also known as "marketability". 

(http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/liquidity.asp).

When we start talking about the skills of the manager I like to define liquidity as being -

1. The ability to deal with a transforming and ever moving work landscape.
2. The ability to shift between tasks or responsibilities with the least amount of friction possible.
3. The ability to convert and apply skills and knowledge to a new role.

Viewing your work as a series of liquid tasks can help your mental state immensely.  Rather than getting stuck and focusing too much on one particular task the key is to see that task as a part of the whole day and park that issue for a while.  Then when you have more time or the opportunity float back to that task and assimilate it into your tasks for the day.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjjohn/2523043847/)