Embrace the Pause
Remember the last time you sat in comfortable silence with a close friend? That's the power of a pause. In leadership, we often race to fill every moment with words or action. But think back to your most impactful leaders. Chances are, they knew when to be still.
I learned this lesson the hard way. In my early days as a team lead, I'd jump to solve every problem, answer every question. My team felt smothered. It took a mentor pulling me aside to show me the value of stepping back.
Now, when faced with a challenge, I take a breath. I count to five before responding. It feels like an eternity at first, but in that space, magic happens. Team members who usually stay quiet find their voice. New perspectives emerge. The solution often comes from an unexpected place.
This pause isn't about being passive. It's an active choice to create space for others. It's trusting your team enough to let them fill the silence. Try it in your next meeting. When someone asks a tough question, resist the urge to immediately respond. Let the pause do its work. You might be surprised at the wisdom that emerges when you're not rushing to provide all the answers.