ELI Group's Blog

Time to Think

What is a critical differentiator between a smart, talented contributor and a smart, talented leader?  The answer is surprisingly simple – reflection time.  It is not simple to find that time, nor is it simple to behave counter culturally and block time for thinking, but it is a differentiator.  We find that a great number of our clients don’t have time to think.  And, that loss shows up in a number of areas – relationships with directs and peers, long-term thinking, talent planning, building trust etc….   One of the key areas is in Strategic Leadership. 

Many of our clients are asked by their organizations to be more “strategic”.  They turn to us to ask what that means?  What does it really look like to be more strategic?  How does that look differently than what they are doing - executing and delivering results every day?  We find that we can typically help them answer those questions with some time to think.  Reflection time allows a leader to be intentional about how they move through the day, how they interact with others, the frame they put on a meeting or conversation.  Most organizational leaders are very smart and very capable – but they need time to think.

One of the best things you can do for yourself in the New Year is ensure that you are carving out time during the week to think.  It may not be consistent, it may not be in your office, you may have to call it something else on your calendar, but protect your thinking time and ensure that it is a top priority.  Your reward for carving out reflection time will be more strategic, intentional leadership.