Harnessing the Power of the Pause: Conscious Leadership in Action

Embracing the Power of the Pause

In the current fast-paced workplace, we often find ourselves racing against the clock, believing that constant action is the key to success. We rush to answer the question, meet the deadline, and finish the project. However, we often overlook a vital strategy – waiting. As a conscious leadership expert, I've learned the importance of embracing the pause, a superpower that has transformative potential. By integrating mindfulness practices into my worklife, I have discovered the power of waiting and brought a heightened awareness into the workplace.

A Lesson from Google 

When I joined Google, my mission was to create an internal mobility program, "Career Support", for senior leaders, while also building a diversity program for their executive recruiting team. While I had a competent team, I needed an additional team member who could manage operations. That’s when I met Joanna.

During her interview, Joanna taught me an unforgettable lesson about the power of pause. When asked a question, instead of rushing to respond, she asked for a minute to think about her response. She wrote down some notes then offered her answer. The composure she exhibited in giving herself time to think was impressive and served as a practical example of the power of pause in action. 

The Power of Pause in Practice 

Months later, our program was successful, and Joanna's contributions were invaluable. However, she faced challenges when two team members she needed cooperation from were unresponsive. Drawing from our shared lesson of the power of the pause, I advised her to wait. Understanding the personal circumstances of these colleagues, we realized that time would resolve the bottleneck. This is another real-life example of the power of pause in effect.

Practical Solutions for Employing the Pause

1. Zoom out: By taking a step back and assessing the whole picture, we can understand the broader system in which we operate and identify root causes of problems. This exercise of zooming out before zooming in provides better insights and solutions.

2. Breathe: By taking a moment to compose ourselves before challenging situations, we can reset our nervous system. Conscious breathing exercises like pranayama have proven benefits for cognitive functioning and stress reduction.

3. Suspend Judgment: As leaders, we often make snap judgments. However, waiting before forming an impression can be beneficial in managing teams and avoiding costly mistakes.

4. Be the Last to Speak: Contrary to the common perception, a good leader is not always the one who speaks the most or first. By waiting to express their thoughts, leaders give space to their team members, promoting a culture of open dialogue and innovation.

Unleashing Conscious Leadership through the Power of Pause

The ability to wait is a conscious leadership skill that encourages deep thinking, builds patience, and nurtures a more mindful and productive work environment. It promotes creativity, innovation, and employee engagement while combating impostor syndrome by enabling individuals to believe in their thoughts and decisions.

These experiences and insights have helped me become a better leader and speaker, driving change and enhancing employee engagement in the workplace. More than just a strategy, the power of the pause is a philosophy that can transform your personal and professional life.

Navigating the Challenges of Conscious Leadership

The journey to becoming a conscious leader is exciting, rewarding, but often challenging. I've created resources such as the Career Mapping Workbook to help you navigate this path and provide practical guidance on leadership and career progression. To further enhance your leadership journey, I invite you to join our digital community, "The Conscious Leadership Circle," where we discuss and explore different facets of conscious leadership.

So why wait? Embrace the power of pause, download the Career Mapping Workbook, and join the Conscious Leadership Circle today. Learn how to turn the waiting game into a winning game in your career and personal life.