It sounds a little counterintuitive that in a fast-paced, busy workplace we would instruct someone to pause – that it will be a game-changer.
But it is exactly that – a game-changer. In what ways, you ask?
Here are 3 areas that are positively impacted:
- Decision-Making
- Bias Interrupting
- Self-Care
These 3 things are necessary in our daily life and work.
Decision-Making
In recent discussions with several clients, the pressure to make accurate, intelligent decisions was a concern. How do you think quickly on your feet? Especially when you want to make the best decision that reflects your abilities and supports the team. And, what if you don’t know the answer? These are common issues that cause stress.
First of all, you don’t have to think “quickly” on your feet. This is not Jeopardy. You need to be able to think on the spot, but the clarity of your thought process is often clouded by the anxiety that you have to know the answer, right now.
The pause has power.
Here is what you can do: Start with breathing, consider the situation and if necessary, ask questions. This gives you an opportunity to tap into creative ideas, invite perspectives and gather enough information to make a smart decision or suggestion.
Bias-Interrupting
We know we have biases, whether we admit it or not. Biases are beliefs or attitudes that are pre-disposed toward people, things, events. They can be positive or negative. And, they have impact on decision-making, relationships, work teams and ultimately success. Much has been written about unconscious bias and the brain. Here is one of my favorites articles on bias and the brain, focusing on 2 systems of thinking:https://www.kornferry.com/institute/understanding-bias-and-brain. The thing is, we have to pause to get beyond the automatic judgments and beliefs that are often unquestioned and guide everyday decisions. We allow those judgments to create stories about others and ourselves.
Here is what you can do: Pause and question the story. It may not be true. The pause can allow you to see multiple views, talents you did not see before, new possibilities, and behaviors that promote inclusion.
Self-Care
Everybody needs self-care, whether we admit it or not. Health and wellness are finally being addressed as components for success in the workplace. It is a big topic that encompasses many aspects: work/life integration; eating; exercise; personal time; mindfulness. In the sometimes hyper-busy, chaotic environment that is known as work, pausing for self-care is crucial. Otherwise, the automatic choices (habits) continue to drive the behaviors.
Here is what you can do: First, be aware that you are in automatic reaction mode. Next, pause and ask yourself what it is that you really need. Here in this pause is where you may get the more beneficial answer for a healthy mind, body, spirit. Here you can make the most effective response.
Best advice: Pause, slow down, listen. You have the power to create a more effective, influential and happy life at work and in life. The pause is where mindfulness, consciousness and intelligence flourish. It is in the power of the pause.
