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‘I don’t have time like you for all this coaching, reading and networking stuff. In fact, if you were as busy as I am, you wouldn’t either.’ It’s a common refrain from leaders and managers who feel so time and work pressured that they can’t find space to pause, reflect or think. The more optimistic will say, ‘When things settle down…when we just get through this change…then I’ll do it.’ And yet, somehow, things never do settle down…and change follows change. And they never do do it.
Steve was a senior leader in an international organisation. We sat with a rare coffee and he looked drained, exhausted. ‘I can’t keep this up. I’m working long hours and things still stack up. What am I supposed to do?’ The idea he held in mind what that if he just worked harder, worked longer, he would be able to reduce, control and make progress with his work, finish it. It’s an understandable belief, a belief that strains to provide a glimmer of hope, yet so often it’s basically - wrong. Illusion. I shared an image of a huge pile of sand, Steve digging away with a teaspoon at the bottom. No matter how committed he was, no matter how hard or fast he dug, no matter how skilfully he did it, sand would continue to tip in. There is no end, especially as the world is adding sand to the top of the pile faster than he can ever remove it. Yet there is a solution. It means stepping back, praying, reviewing, reflecting, reprioritising, renegotiating – in a nutshell, making choices rather than just doing. The paradox, of course, lays in making time to do this. Yet, as one of my leader colleagues commented today, ‘A pit stop doesn’t mean slowing down’. It’s about creating optimal space to breathe, recover, invite challenge, test assumptions, find perspective, explore ideas; in other words, to safeguard just enough time for the proverbial dust to settle to see clearly again. This is where things like coaching, reading and networking can prove so valuable. What do you do to take your pit stops?
104 Comments
Jos Burton
16/6/2016 09:16:04 am
Great article Nick - the importance of 'pit stops' can't be overstated!
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 09:17:30 am
Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Jos! I'm interested: what do you do to create your own 'pit stops'? All the best. Nick
Jos Burton
16/6/2016 02:04:53 pm
Hey Nick, I'm very fortunate to have a great work-life balance - I deliver training 2 days a week and have my 'pit stops' built in to my schedule - how about you?
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 02:09:13 pm
Hi Jos. That sounds great! I have the privilege of working in a charity and doing lots of different things in different places in a freelance capacity which provides me with amazing variety and stimulus. I take my pit stops between, often by blogging (which enables me to share ideas with others, hear from others and think out loud on e-paper) or by cycling or swimming. All the best. Nick
Greg Jones
16/6/2016 09:18:12 am
Nick, your leader colleague described the process well. It is not stopping or slowing down - instead recovery. From my experience this is where you can see people practicing leadership, taking the time to reflect/recharge instead of jumping to the next project without looking. I enjoy the down time to run, a great time to focus on your steps and breath. The dog always enjoys walks, so I'm sure one of these days he will bill me for consultative fees. Then there is the musical instrument, but that is another post.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 09:21:56 am
Hi Greg and thanks for the note. Your canine-consultant comment made me laugh! :) Yes, taking physical exercise can be a great way to refresh, clear the mind and create a positive sense of well-being. Playing a musical instrument can do so too. I cycle and swim and used to play guitar. You have inspired me to get the guitar down from the loft, dust it off and try playing it again... All the best. Nick
Dineen Carta
16/6/2016 09:22:44 am
I give myself mini- retreats where I break rhythm and nurture myself. Yoga, art, walks in the woods, kayaking, a drive away, spend time with a nurturing friend, and of course, meditation and prayer.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 09:25:11 am
Thanks Dineen. All those things work for me too...except kayaking. I once tried it in the Lake District in northern England and it terrified me!! I like times in solitude and silence, including silent prayer. It reminds me of the 'sabbath' principle in the Bible. A time for rest, reflection and recovery. All the best. Nick
Dineen Carta
17/6/2016 10:29:06 am
I'm not a wild kayaker either. Calm water only!!!! LOL
Ginny Baillie MCC
16/6/2016 10:49:42 am
A compelling pit stop is my fridge.....but I manage to be a bit more purposeful about it it's the top of the Welsh hill behind my house, getting to the top of that irons things out and literally changes my perspective......and amazes me that I made it as it's almost vertical!
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 10:51:53 am
Hi Ginny. A Welsh mountain behind the house - what a perfect opportunity for a pit stop! :) Outdoors, daylight, fresh air, physical exercise, adrenaline, sense of achievement...perfect! All the best. Nick
Pamina Mullins
16/6/2016 11:00:51 am
So well put Nick - and your metaphorical story about digging sand with a teaspoon hits the nail right on the head!
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 11:06:06 am
Many thanks, Pamina. I once attended a stress and well-being seminar for leaders with a medical researcher in the United States and it was scary to hear how much damage pressing ahead relentlessly in our work can do to our bodies. As you say, pausing to breathe, moments of reflection etc. can make such a difference. I will often simply walk around the outside of a building. It can be enough to create a significant shift in sense of perspective and well-being. I like your idea of setting a phone alarm. It can help to create a new pattern - especially as old habits die hard. All the best. Nick
Karen Blake MCDI AIEP
16/6/2016 01:45:55 pm
Great post Nick, I make a conscious decision to take time out re-charge my batteries, re-assess where i am going or want to be. I dont take on other peoples negativity and remember im working to live :)
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 01:49:44 pm
Thanks Karen. Sounds like a good way to live. :) I once spent 5 years in a job that I absolutely hated - soul destroying in the extreme - just so that I could earn enough money to do things I wanted to do outside of work. When I became a Christian, which was a turning point for me, I left the job to do something that felt more life-giving. I earned a fraction of what I had earned in the previous job, just enough to survive on really, but have never looked back. All the best. Nick
Renato Morandi
16/6/2016 02:19:24 pm
I use to block agenda to have time do to what is important to my recover at that time, especially when a week is intense. To introduce this in a way to help me recover for next work time I learn to feel my body needs and check at blocked time in order to decide what to do or not at moment. I am still engaged into that three years after start.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 02:21:47 pm
Thanks for your note, Renato. I think blocking time out for recovery and refreshment, especially during intense periods of work, is very wise. It's important for mental, physical and emotional well-being (and, for me, spiritual well-being too) as well as for ensuring you are able to perform at your best in your work. All the best. Nick
Gill Parkin
16/6/2016 03:06:36 pm
My own coaching and supervision is always a chance to slow down, reflect and re calibrate.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 03:08:04 pm
Thanks Gill. Yes, those are definitely some of the potential and important benefits of coaching and supervision. All the best. Nick
Marie Smith, CPCC (Coach), FCIPD, NLP, MBTI, SDI
16/6/2016 03:37:20 pm
It's the same for me as Gill Parkin. plus of course regular breaks like time in the fresh air, long weekends or holidays to press the reset button and recharge in a totally different way.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 03:38:38 pm
Thanks Marie. I find being out in the fresh air one of the most refreshing of experiences. Amazing how it can recharge the batteries. :) All the best. Nick
Roxanne Goss
16/6/2016 03:57:58 pm
Nick, I'm right at that point now. I'm pushing 8 years at my job and the last couple have been destroying my soul. I knew there was something else I was suppose to be doing so I took a step back and took time to breathe and determine what it was. That's when I believe God brought me to Recovery Coaching, which will be more live-giving and feed my passion in helping others in an area I have struggled. It will take a bit before I can leave my current job. I may not earn what I do now, but I will feel alive. Like you, I'm certain I will never look back. Thank you for the great post.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 04:00:28 pm
Thank you, Roxanne - and for sharing so honestly from personal experience. It sounds like you are motivated and ready to take a courageous step. I would be interested to hear more about Recovery Coaching...and to hear how you get on when you take that step! All the best. Nick
Roxanne Goss
16/6/2016 05:51:34 pm
Thanks Nick. I started working with my first client at the end of May. I'm currently in the process of working on my business plan, website etc and will be working with a network of other recovery coaches that took the same course. I would be happy to share information about recovery coaching with you as I move forward.
Pamina Mullins
17/6/2016 09:28:40 am
Well done Roxane - and it doesn't matter how long it takes to "ease into" your new role. Just having that deeply meaningful feedback and focus daily makes a world of difference and gives you a feeling of control in your life. It certainly worked for me.
Roxanne Goss
17/6/2016 04:40:42 pm
Thank you Pamina! That is so true. Knowing I'm on a path to a better more fulfilling life makes a world of difference.
Benoit Couture
16/6/2016 04:02:07 pm
I ask to Our Father in heaven in Christ The Son of God
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 04:04:31 pm
Thanks for expressing that so beautifully, Benoit. The Lord bless you. Nick
Margaret Carman
16/6/2016 04:36:04 pm
Regular yoga, meditation and walks.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 04:36:53 pm
Thanks Margaret. Sounds healthy! All the best. Nick
Kelly Fryer (BSc, MCIPD, M)
16/6/2016 07:19:28 pm
I create time in my day to breathe, walk, sit quietly or dance to loud music. I was constantly 'busy' until I read Nancy Kline's Time to Think. I'm much more productive after a break, even if it's a quick walk to the shop.
Nick Wright
16/6/2016 07:23:27 pm
Thanks Kelly. It sounds like Nancy Kline has had quite an impact! Paying attention to what we need is so important, not just in terms of personal health and wellbeing but, as you say, productivity and effectiveness too. While team coaching, I will often pause the team from time to time and ask, quite simply, 'What do you need, here-and-now, to contribute your best to this?' It often comes down to the simplest things: a quick leg stretch, a quick comfort break, a moment to make a fresh mug of coffee/tea- and yet the difference it can make is quite incredible. All the best. Nick
Kaylus Adams
17/6/2016 09:24:46 am
I read, journal, pray and go for long drives along the beach.
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 09:27:36 am
Thanks Kaylus. Sounds similar to my own patterns...except that I blog as a way of journalling and live at the farthest point in the UK from a beach! ;) All the best. Nick
Suman
17/6/2016 02:15:40 pm
Nick, your selection of topics and their titles always amaze me. These must be coming to you while you are in your pit stops.
Angela Hales
17/6/2016 04:14:47 pm
This is a great question and one that I have taken action on to find a solution over the last 12 months. I've found what works well for me is to schedule recurring times on a daily or weekly basis to review progress for the day and plan my mission-critical tasks for the next. There's something very motivating when you deliberately reflect on how much has been achieved!
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 04:19:43 pm
Hi Angela and thanks for the note. It sounds like you have worked out some very useful practical ways to safeguard the space you need. It means you are able to exercise choice about how you spend your time and energy. I agree with your comments about, in effect, proactively managing your own and others' expectations in order to hold appropriate boundaries etc. You reminded me of an organisation I worked with a few years ago. It had a long-hours culture so, when I started as a new team leader, I insisted that my team members started and left on time and took a 1 hour lunch break every day. All else was negotiable. It had a marked positive impact on team morale and effectiveness. All the best. Nick
Susanne Stronge
17/6/2016 04:21:00 pm
Networking is like discovering gold! I touch base with my mentor, my colleagues, my peers. I find when I share concerns without complaining a positive discussion ensues that really reassures, offers clarity and support. There is always a way.
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 04:23:57 pm
Thanks Susanne. I agree. One of my colleagues commented recently on how unusually 'resourceful' I am. I attribute much of my personal and professional resourcefulness to networks, including via blogging as well as with face-to-face or by Skype with friends and peers who share similar interests, concerns or ideas. I also have the privilege of access to 2 great coach/mentors who continually support and challenge me. All the best. Nick
Carl Bishop
17/6/2016 04:37:01 pm
You have enough time to do what is important to you! The excuse of "I don't have time" is merely an act of deciding what ever the task is, it's not important enough for you to deal with, or that you are afraid to confront it.
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 04:39:24 pm
Hi Carl. I sometimes think we've been reading each others' minds. ;) Have a glance at: http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/choose Let me know what you think? All the best. Nick
Robert Hodge
17/6/2016 04:45:25 pm
I learned about pacing in my second week of coaching. I put together four days of ten hours of coaching to make use of the travel time away. When I got in the car to leave, I lost it. My coach told me that he is down to no more than two days of full coaching in a row, and on any one day, he would prefer no more than five hours. It is not so much to provide time for preparation or reading as it is to truly focus on the other person with his full attention. That might explain why his rates are so high, both in terms of needing more per contact hour but also because he is putting more in per hour.
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 04:50:06 pm
Hi Robert and many thanks for sharing such a vivid and personal account of the value of taking 'pit stops' - and the costs if we don't! I think there's something very important in this about knowing ourselves and what we need to be and perform at our best. I once got burned out after years of over-zealous working, albeit with good intentions, and ended up being signed off for 3 months with stress and exhaustion. It was a real shock to the system and caused me to seriously re-evaluate my life and pay far more attention to what I need - and to take active steps to address it! All the best. Nick
Elisabeth Scharf
17/6/2016 04:51:02 pm
I have "creative time" on the schedule for me and my staff. And on Friday afternoon we meet up and discuss our ideas , areas of improvement etc., it's an ongoing process that works really well and we do feel the difference it makes after the holiday season when we don't always manage it because we are short staffed . Try it !!
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 04:53:22 pm
Hi Elisabeth. I really like that idea of regular 'creative time'. In my experience, we're often capable of doing more things like that than we imagine. In some ways, the busier we are (unless in a real crisis), the more we need to do it. It feels counterintuitive but really can make such a positive difference to well-being and effectiveness. All the best. Nick
Annie Lee
17/6/2016 09:41:04 pm
My pit stop is definitely running first thing in the morning. I find my creativity is at its peak and I can problem solve effectively. It also helps me check in with mind, body, breath and calms my head noise! I have a battle to find an alternative on rest days I must say!
Nick Wright
17/6/2016 09:44:02 pm
Hi Annie. I'm always impressed by people who can run first thing in the morning! You have reminded me of how, when I was studying at theological school, I used to go for frequent long walks in the nearby hills. It was as if there was a connection between physical movement and mental movement. While I was walking, I would often sense a movement forward in my thinking. When I stopped, it was as if my thinking/processing stopped. All the best. Nick
Nerida Talbot
18/6/2016 12:17:17 pm
I agree the daily 'busy' is a big enemy when trying to forge forward and often feels overwhelming. I love to just get outside, be more mindful and change the scenery. Also setting aside time to research a new concept, read a book from my reading list or learn something new is a great pit stop. It helps my brain have the space it needs to be open and consider new ideas, thinking and planning ahead.
Nick Wright
18/6/2016 12:19:59 pm
Thanks Nerida. I think your comment about 'brain space' is so important. If I find myself feeling closed and unable to 'consider new ideas and thinking', I know I really do need to take a pit stop! All the best. Nick
Olga Lukasiewicz
18/6/2016 12:46:42 pm
If we don't stop to reflect where we are, how will we know we are still on the right path?
Nick Wright
18/6/2016 12:47:31 pm
Good question, Olga. Sometimes we get lost without realising we are lost. All the best. Nick
Andrew Knight
18/6/2016 02:33:06 pm
The most energising and simple day-to-day pit stop for me is the unplanned and unscheduled conversation with a colleague, where we get to relax a bit and see the human side of each other there's always something to laugh about and laughter usually is the best remedy!
Nick Wright
18/6/2016 02:36:37 pm
Thanks Andrew - I agree. There are few things as refreshing and therapeutic as meeting with someone else as a fellow human being and having a good laugh together! :) All the best. Nick
Ashutosh Hurnam
18/6/2016 08:39:01 pm
Very true, we very often tend to overwork thinking that we will be able to catch up on tasks but at the end of the day they just keep piling up and we become exhausted and less productive. Very often a small pit time as you ve put it does wonders. Thank you for the post...
Nick Wright
18/6/2016 08:40:04 pm
Thanks Ashutosh. You expressed that well! All the best. Nick
Marc Ratcliffe
19/6/2016 10:35:18 am
I take creative breaks - something that uses a different part of my brain. For instance I try to learn to play a new song on my guitar (there are some great apps to help), or do some abstract drawing or take a walk in nature - we are fortunate to have some lakes near our office where you can walk for 30 mins to clear the head, forward-cast ideas or invite a "walking meeting" with someone.
Nick Wright
19/6/2016 10:38:33 am
Thanks Marc. Those sound like great ideas! I too used to work in an office close to a lake and found it incredibly mind-clearing to walk around it at lunchtime. I would vary the speed and direction on different days and sometimes walk with others too. For me, there's something about looking across open water that has a calming effect and opens up a wider landscape - physically and psychologically. All the best. Nick
Dolphin Seminars
19/6/2016 03:58:55 pm
Pit stop need to become a habit. Otherwise we loose control.
Nick Wright
19/6/2016 04:00:46 pm
Hi Dolphin Seminars. Yes, it certainly takes discipline, especially if we continually feel driven by internal or external aspirations, pressures, expectations or demands. All the best. Nick
Steven Huskey
19/6/2016 04:07:41 pm
I am currently reading 2 books (I consider reading part of my "work") that deal with this same idea. Both talk about the importance of stepping back, assessing & prioritizing. As Brian Tracy said, "You already have more to to than you can get done." The important thing is to focus on what's important & you can't do that if you don't take time to step back & assess. I like your metaphors of the sand pile & the pit stop. In a pit stop, nobody's moving slowly - they're going all out to prepare for the next laps. Thanks for an interesting & thought-provoking article.
Nick Wright
19/6/2016 04:09:39 pm
Hi Steven and thanks for your encouraging feedback. Yes, I think Tracy's comment you posted hits the proverbial nail on the head! I'm curious - what are the 2 books you're reading? Sound interesting. All the best. Nick
Elaine Garmon, MS, BCC
19/6/2016 08:02:47 pm
I try to focus on giving my best possible self to each client. This forces me to slow down and be more reflective with my down time because while I am a high energy person, I get drained by working with too many clients in one day. If I don't feel like I gave my most present self during my Walking Your Talk session, then I know my schedule needs to change in order to "create more space". The whole point of WYT is to feel more energized and when a client can't connect to that I know it's time to take a step back and reassess what changes need to be made. Thanks for bringing this up!
Nick Wright
19/6/2016 08:04:56 pm
Hi Elaine and thanks for the note. What strikes me in what you're saying is how important it is to be aware of what we need to be at our best, to pay attention to it and to do it. Sounds like you've found a good way to do it! All the best. Nick
Katerina Rose
19/6/2016 09:48:02 pm
I would go further and say that unless Leaders/Managers do step back and reflect and take time out not only will they burn out but they would no longer be capable of thinking objectively about their business let alone make good decisions. They actually stop thinking. Thinking and being goes out of the window replaced by doing, doing, doing... but why do we get so trapped in this cycle? It seems so unhealthy in every way.
Nick Wright
19/6/2016 09:53:13 pm
Thanks Katerina. It's curious, isn't it? We kind of know these things and yet find it so hard to do them. In my experience, once a person is caught in the whirlpool of work...work...work, it's hard for them to think clearly enough to step out of it. It's almost like the swirls of the whirlpool have a hypnotic effect. This is where coaching or a challenge from family, friends and colleagues is sometimes needed to snap a person out of it...before ill health or other unhappy experiences occur. All the best. Nick
Ian Handcock
20/6/2016 05:03:41 pm
I have initiated a campaign called Fit 4 farming because farmers suffer the same problem of staying in their business 24/7
Nick Wright
20/6/2016 05:07:56 pm
Hi Ian and thanks for the note. That sounds like an excellent initiative! I think it's especially important for people who are self-employed, work from home or work in isolation from others. It sounds like you have found great and healthy ways to create and sustain healthy boundaries. I have a friend who works from home and uses a separate room for 'work'. He dresses in a shirt and tie when he goes to 'work' and dresses down and locks his office door when he goes 'home'. He, similarly, also engages in sports that provide a good distraction, keep him mentally and physically fit and require regular attendance. All the best. Nick
Matthew Militano
20/6/2016 05:12:33 pm
Wonderful reminder here, Nick. Minibreaks are undervalued but research says they're golden. Cheers!
Nick Wright
20/6/2016 05:14:05 pm
Thanks Matthew. I agree! What kind of mini breaks work best for you? All the best. Nick
Mike Kean
21/6/2016 07:29:08 pm
I think the person behaving like this is in a fear state. he/ she needs help (coaching). all the indicators are crying out for help. so the challenge to management is to do something about this. listening is a step towards help but intervention and action is the key. In the words of prof Patrick Dixon 'life is too short to lose a single day....'
Nick Wright
21/6/2016 07:35:09 pm
Thanks Mike. Therein lies a paradox. In my experience, it's often the people in most senior positions in organisations - who might normally be expected 'to do something about this' - that find themselves to buried under work that they can't (or won't - although they won't normally think of it in those terms) create sufficient mental and diary space to pay attention to it. So it's a question of how to intervene in such a way that enables leaders to see what's happening and to choose to prioritise enough time to do anything to break the catch-22. Does that resonate with your experience too? All the best. Nick
JAYASIMHA POLAVARAPU
21/6/2016 07:36:04 pm
I completely agree with this situation. I too faced this problem. There is no time to think, reflect and do all this sharing and updating activity. Life should have more space for Yoga like things to go inside.
Nick Wright
21/6/2016 07:38:49 pm
Hi Jayasimha and thank you for such an honest personal response. I guess it poses important questions for people who find themselves facing this challenge, e.g. 'What would need to happen for that to happen?' Or, 'What responsibility are you willing to take to make it happen?' What do you think? All the best. Nick
Kristen Allen
21/6/2016 08:03:41 pm
I utilize mindfulness techniques and have had great success with incorporating them into weekly staff meetings.
Nick Wright
21/6/2016 08:04:56 pm
Hi Kristen. I'm intrigued! Would you be willing to say a bit more about what that looks like in staff meetings in practice? All the best. Nick
Romain Goorman
21/6/2016 09:18:00 pm
I stopped working for an hour and went swimming or jogging. That reloaded my batteries and gave me a fresh look at my situation.
Nick Wright
21/6/2016 09:19:17 pm
Thanks Romain. That sounds like a great way to recharge and gain fresh perspective. I try to cycle and swim as frequently as possible which has a similar effect. All the best. Nick
Widya Novita
22/6/2016 07:47:00 pm
read and write :)
Nick Wright
22/6/2016 07:47:44 pm
That works for me too, Widya. :) All the best. Nick
Nagendra P. Singh
23/6/2016 09:30:08 am
Hi ,this rings bell to many hearts .Paradoxically ,I spend so much time for my client organisation as OD coach and mentor ; have no time nor a strong will to introduce the same process in my own firm. Postpone ,defer...I think it will be done anytime ..later it gets too late .Eventually, I had to handle the crisis . One day ,CEO of my client organisation asked me ,'' Do you practice what you have been coaching ..in your own organisation? "'
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 09:36:05 am
Hi Nagrenda and many thanks for sharing such an honest and personal perspective and experience. 'Die hard' sounds like a very tough place to be. If you were to imagine a very different scenario in which you did model the same principles in your own firm that you advocate for clients, what would that look like and how would it feel? What would need to happen for that to happen? If you could change one thing...what would it be? I'm very curious! All the best. Nick
Jane Keep
23/6/2016 09:36:57 am
I did a phd on developing self care at work - http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/21799/ so as to look at how to stay vital, nourished, refreshed and well whatever was going on at work - e.g. in a busy OD role or otherwise. There was and still is much to learn about what keeps us steady and consistent, how we get to the end of the day without running out of steam, swimming, walking etc all support too - in the end it is our physiology and physical body that are our true instrument or change or vehicle of expression - and, we need to super support that as best we can - peeing on time is a start as is regular hydration and so on. Once we get those basics right there is no end to our productivity and stamina.
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 09:40:32 am
Hi Jane and thanks for sharing the link to your research write-up. Looks like a useful resource. I'm curious about what personal and cultural drivers (often subconscious) drive people, teams and organisations to behave in ways that are, in effect, damaging and unsustainable in the long term, in spite of rational assent to the vital importance of self-care etc. Any thoughts? All the best. Nick
Jane Keep
23/6/2016 10:16:26 am
I agree with your curiosity. Deep down everyone knows the basics of self care, and we know when we dont take care of ourselves it affects us in all spheres of our life - yet we dont take care of ourselves and we say we are too busy - or it feels selfish etc. We have a strong what you might call 'consciousness' around us that doesn't encourage self care yet there is a epidemic proportions are exhausted and living on sugar and coffee to keep us going. the primary and only thing that will turn around workplace productivity in truth is our health and wellbeing - from peeing on time to hydration etc - we can keep finding policies, processes or technology to try and be more effective - we ourselves need to be more effective first. We have leaders who are not role models who arent taking care of themselves, and they set the cultural back drop too that affects (or shall I say infects ) us too.
Sibylle Steinmann
23/6/2016 09:41:22 am
I fully agree and it's an important task to reflect - and regularly!
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 09:45:09 am
Thanks Sibylle. Interestingly, I met with a group of leaders yesterday. They all agreed wholeheartedly that taking time to pause and reflect is critical to their wellbeing and effectiveness. They also confessed that they rarely do it because they feel so driven by external pressures and demands. The questions became focused around what drives and sustains that dynamic personally, culturally and systemically and how to break the cycle without breaking themselves, others or their teams. Any thoughts? All the best. Nick
Brian Tenicela
23/6/2016 09:46:53 am
Interesting I may find this post... Just this morning I was reminded by God to not let the challenges/business of the world affect my mind/eagerness to worship and pray.... Here is the scripture:
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 09:48:37 am
Thanks Brian. That's a good and timely challenge to me too. I'm struck by how much Jesus took 'pit stops' - regular times to pray - in the midst of such intense opportunities and demands. Thank you for the important reminder. All the best. Nick
Brian Tenicela
23/6/2016 04:01:00 pm
Still working on it myself...Cheers man!
Lord Cyril T. Dalawangbayan
23/6/2016 10:02:56 am
Time for yourself is extremely important. One must make that a priority.
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 10:03:24 am
Thanks Cyril. How do you do it? All the best. Nick
Olympia Trammell
23/6/2016 10:04:10 am
I agree. Prioritize (Or learn to do so).
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 10:05:35 am
Thanks Olympia. I agree that prioritising is important. I guess the challenge can be where a person feels so pressured by demands and decisions that lay outside of their control that they feel unable to step back, take a 'pit stop' and prioritise. What do you think? All the best. Nick
Krumma Jonsdottir
23/6/2016 10:06:25 am
Agree and believe it is a question of acceptance...
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 10:07:26 am
Thanks Krumma. I notice that same phenomenon too. Can you say a bit more about what you mean by 'acceptance' in this context and what that could look like in practice? All the best. Nick
Shannon Chappell
23/6/2016 04:19:14 pm
Definitely an area I struggle... I run until instead of a pit stop I have to shut the world down. Running the sales side of our booming company, an growing evangelistic ministry, a literal church plant inside our company, 5 kids... one who has a wedding we're helping plan (OK the wife is... I'm just standing by open wallet and teary eyed...) and in the midst normal day to day life... I am always riding that fine line of zealous excitement and fatigue. And I know better, and like Benoit posted, belief whole heartedly in the fact that we are supposed to be in rest in being as part of who Christ made us to be. The application of that knowledge sometimes is lacking.
Nick Wright
23/6/2016 04:25:21 pm
Hi Shannon and thanks for such an honest and inspiring response. I loved your comment, 'open wallet and teary eyed'! :) In a similar vein to how you described things here, a good friend once challenged me when we were out cycling together. He commented that I go everywhere at full speed and yet, if I want to be able to go further, I have to learn to pace myself, take food/drink and 'pit stops'. I realised that I try to live life at top speed too, rarely taking the breaks I know I should. I'm learning to be more paced and to take pit stops but it doesn't come naturally to me. I don't spend anywhere near the amount of time I want to with God in spite of my theological beliefs and good intentions. :/ The Lord bless you. Nick
Paul Krissel
25/6/2016 10:20:52 am
We have a peer group of independent facilitators, coaches, trainers and OD folks that has been meeting for lunch once a month for almost 10 years now. 8-12 of us consistently. It is like our "water cooler". We share successes, challenges, and ask each other for advice. We plan an annual full day retreat for ourselves and 2 or 3 of us organize the retreat based on topics we all select. We have gotten to know each other through this group so well we have become emotional supporters of each other as well as career counselors. We often call each other between meetings when we need a listener or advice. Though our clients and work mostly do not overlap, we have sometimes referred work to each other or brought each other in on a project.
Nick Wright
25/6/2016 10:24:51 am
Hi Paul and thanks for sharing such a great personal example of water cooler pit-stopping! In my experience, there's something about committing to and doing something like this with another person or as a group that means it's more likely to happen, especially if what you experience in the group fulfills what you and others want, need and hope for from it. All the best. Nick
Mukesh Kureel
25/6/2016 10:26:31 am
Hello Nick, I can resonate with the situation which you mentioned in your post. I am facing the similar challenge in my organization where HOD's and Senior Managers give the same excuse that they don't have time for taking a break especially for Learning & Development interventions like an E-Learning, Training Workshop, Or Information Sharing sessions. They state that they are overloaded with work an don't have time to breathe as well. Lot of interventions go in waste from L&D if we don't have a buy in from the HOD's and Sr. Managers. Any suggestion which can help me walk through this phase will be helpful....Regards, Mukesh Kureel (Manager - L&D)
Nick Wright
25/6/2016 10:33:35 am
Hi Mukesh and thanks for posting such an honest response. My sense is that everyone is trying to handle competing demands for their time, energy etc. Leaders often have far greater degrees of discretion in what they prioritise - in other words, what they prioritise is often a reflection of a choice, rather than simply being driven by external pressures and demands. The first thing for me is to enable the person to recognise that they are 'choosing'. The second is to ask something along the lines of, 'Given the myriad of things calling for your attention, what would convince you to choose to prioritise X (e.g. L&D)?' It often opens very interesting conversations! All the best. Nick
Mukesh Kureel
7/7/2016 08:25:23 am
Thanks Nick. Worth trying. Will keep you posted on the turns of events. Regards, Mukesh
Alan Booth
26/6/2016 09:24:34 pm
Believe it or not, my pit stop is being on boards of several associations, those who include executives who engage me for my services. And I avoid the project of key change due to the retirement of our Executive Director.
Nick Wright
26/6/2016 09:26:21 pm
Hi Alan and thanks for the note. Is that a kind of, 'A change is as good as a rest' phenomenon? I can certainly relate to that! All the best. Nick Leave a Reply. |
Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! 
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