Stories
Stories
Hit Pause
Edited by Julia Hanna and Jen McFarland Flint; illustrations by Rose Wong
When we take stock of our success, we often consider productivity a key performance metric. But making the most informed decisions—and realizing our fullest potential—also requires stepping away from the hamster wheel of daily output to pause and reflect, says Professor Joe Badaracco. In interviews with more than 100 time-strapped managers, Badaracco found that those who made the space for reflection did so in a manner that was realistic, given existing demands on their time and attention: “Very few did the ‘go up to the mountain’ style of reflection,” he says. “Instead, they took small moments of time, 5 or 10 minutes here and there throughout the day or week.” While more extended periods of reflection are sometimes necessary, Badaracco adds, this mosaic approach is one we all can try, no matter how hectic our lives may seem.
Observe yourself.
The optimum time for reflection is different for everyone. “Pay attention to when you naturally find yourself stepping back, when it’s easier to get some distance from your to-do list and your mind is already a little freer,” advises Badaracco. For one person, it could be while walking the dog; for another, it may be in the shower or while washing the dishes.
Aim for good enough.
An extended, solitary retreat just isn’t in the cards for most of us. Find some approaches that work for you and accept that you will have periods of little or no reflection—then get yourself back on track.
Downshift.
“Instead of constantly thinking ‘what’s the situation, what do I do, what’s next,’ it can be beneficial to simply observe what’s going on around or inside of you.” As one manager said, “avoid the taint of productivity.”
Ponder.
“Make a conscious effort to look at an issue from a variety of perspectives instead of taking the standard linear, analytical approach,” says Badaracco. Draw on the insights of others, he suggests, whether from your living network or the long-dead writers of antiquity, to gain a greater depth of understanding.
Pause and measure up.
“What are the standards you want to meet when you’ve got to do something? Spend some time reflecting on those standards, rather than just moving the task down the assembly line.”
The John Shad Professor of Business Ethics, Joe Badaracco currently teaches the second-year course The Moral Leader. He is the author of Step Back: Bringing the Art of Reflection into Your Busy Life.
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