The Power of Pause: The Wheel of Modern Leadership Part 9

by Kira Bruno on October 16, 2024

 

Welcome back to our ongoing series, The Wheel of Modern Leadership, where we explore the timeless aspects of leadership that remain crucial, regardless of changing trends.

In the last several installments, we looked at what I consider to be the seven core components of modern leadership: Accountability, Consistency, Relationship Building, Communication, Mindset, Mentorship, and Personal & Professional Development. However, these elements only scratch the surface of what it takes to be a leader in today’s business world. And so, we’ll continue to dive deeper.

Today, we’re focusing on an often overlooked yet critical element of leadership: the power of pause.

The fact is, burnout has become a ubiquitous experience for professionals in a leadership position (and, well, anyone at all in the workplace hustle). A recent survey reported by Harvard Business Review reveals that more than half of surveyed adults describe their daily stress levels as “completely overwhelming.” Characterized by exhaustion, negativity, and underperformance, burnout also results in sleep disturbances, physical and mental health issues, and absenteeism. And most people believe it’s an inevitable part of today’s work culture.

The ability to pause in the midst of this grind has never been more important. I’ve seen firsthand how taking the time to step back and reflect can be a game-changer for leaders at all levels.

The Concept of “Adult Timeouts” in Leadership

At 10-years-old, timeouts were a form of punishment. Well, it’s time to flip that script. In the high-pressure world of modern business, especially in fast-paced sectors like finance and tech, “adult timeouts” are becoming an essential tool for effective leadership.

Just as an athlete learns how to let their muscles rest and recover between workouts, so too must the modern-day leader. These strategic pauses aren’t about putting yourself in the corner. Instead, they’re intentional breaks that allow leaders to step away from the constant barrage of decisions, meetings, and responsibilities. It’s about creating space for reflection, recalibration, and renewal.

There is a biological element behind the concept of timeouts or strategic pauses. When you’re stressed, depleted, and burned out, your sympathetic nervous system is activated. That’s when stress hormones are released en masse and can eventually lead to neurotransmitter imbalance (i.e. serotonin and dopamine). Staying in this state for too long is exhausting for your body and brain and can even result in a weakened immune system.

Taking a break—a true pause, where your body can relax and rest in safety—breaks this stress cycle and flips your central nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic. This allows your body and brain to rebalance and rejuvenate. Only then can you sustainably and successfully lead a team or a company through the hustle of the business landscape.

Preventing Burnout and Enhancing Decision-Making

In my years of working with talented professionals in Southern California, I’ve seen too many brilliant minds burn out from the relentless pace of work. The irony? Many of these leaders pride themselves on their ability to push through fatigue and stress. But here’s the truth: burnout is sneaky. It can build up slowly, innocuously. You may not even realize it’s happening until you hit the point of no return where continuous grinding doesn’t lead to better outcomes; it leads to diminishing returns.

Taking strategic pauses can:

  1. Prevent burnout by allowing your mind and body to recharge
  2. Improve decision-making by providing clarity and perspective
  3. Enhance creativity by giving your brain space to make new connections
  4. Increase overall productivity by ensuring you’re working smarter, not just harder

Think about it: how many times have you had an “aha” moment in the shower, or while taking a walk? That’s the power of pause in action.

This is particularly important if burnout is leading you to question your current position or even your career path. When you’re worn out on the daily grind, the option to simply quit is tempting. But it’s probably not the answer you’re looking for. If you’re prone to burnout, it’s likely you’ll eventually feel it in any new role you take on. Except in cases of toxic work environments, you do have power over your level of burnout.

Practical Strategies for Implementing Pauses

If you’re even a little bit cynical, wondering who really has time to take a break in the current landscape, I get it. But remember, we’re talking about strategic timeouts, not extended vacations. Here are some practical ways to incorporate pauses into your leadership routine:

  1. Micro-breaks: Set a timer for 5 minutes every hour. Use this time to stand up, stretch any tight muscles, or simply breathe deeply. It’s amazing how much these small breaks can reset your focus.
  2. Meeting buffers: Instead of scheduling back-to-back meetings, build in 10-15 minute buffers. Use this time to reflect on the previous meeting and prepare for the next one.
  3. Daily reflection: Carve out 15-30 minutes at the end of each day for reflection. What went well? What could be improved? This practice can dramatically enhance your self-awareness and decision-making.
  4. Lunchtime walks: It’s tempting to grab a bite to eat in front of your screen or schedule a working lunch meeting. Try getting outside instead, even for just 5-10 minutes, and taking a short walk.
  5. Weekly planning pause: Take an hour each week to step back and look at the bigger picture. Are you moving towards your goals? Do you need to adjust your strategies?
  6. Quarterly retreats: Every quarter, schedule a day or half-day away from the office. Use this time for deep thinking about your long-term vision and strategies.

Remember, the goal isn’t to disengage from your work, but to engage with it more effectively. By incorporating these pauses, you’re not stepping away from leadership; you’re stepping into a more intentional, thoughtful form of it.

The Ripple Effect of Strategic Pauses

As leaders, your ability to make sound decisions impacts not only your team but your entire organization. By modeling the power of pause, you’re not only improving your own performance but also creating a culture where thoughtful reflection is valued.

In my experience working with top-performing companies across Southern California, those that encourage and respect these strategic timeouts tend to have more engaged employees, lower turnover rates, and better long-term performance.

The power of pause isn’t just a nice-to-have leadership skill; in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure business environment, it’s becoming essential. So, I challenge you: how will you incorporate strategic pauses into your leadership practice this week?

 

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