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Tuesday 25 July 2023Filed in: Work
In a world where many of us feel the need to have an instant reaction to something, witnessing someone take a moment to absorb the situation, consider what's been said, and only then respond is an unusually powerful behaviour.
A pause gives everyone time to think. It allows the previously silent to contribute and gives the "loudest voice in the room" the space to be quiet. Pausing can also allow a situation to resolve itself without intervention.
Pausing is especially potent for new leaders. When moving into a leadership role for the first time, there's often a strong urge to impress and make an immediate impact. This can be particularly challenging if the new leader has been promoted from an individual contributor role and is now working with former peers. The change for both parties can lead to friction, and many new leaders rush to establish new boundaries quickly.
However, rapid decision-making is not always a strength; in fact, I'd argue it's the opposite. Pausing has numerous benefits that can lead to better outcomes:
Next time you feel the urge to "dive in", consider taking a few seconds to pause and see what happens.
"The Power of Pause" was written by Keir Whitaker — I'm a UK-based coach working with founders, leaders and experts running digital and creative businesses. Why not book a free coaching consultation, learn about upcoming events or subscribe to my newsletter.
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