The power of the pause
Dr Lizzy Bernthal
Supporting businesses & their Directors to be empowered, resilient, confident leaders | Transforming Boardroom Dynamics so no body armour is required! | 25-Years Army to Lt Col
Woody Allen once said that 80% of success in life can be attributed to simply showing up.?
A growing body of research indicates that this estimate may be somewhat optimistic.
Presenteeism is a workplace phenomenon where employees report to work despite feeling unwell physically, mentally or psychologically due to stress for example.
So, even though an employee is physically present, they are less productive as they are not mentally present.?
In the past, absenteeism (such as sickness) was considered a significant drain on the bottom line.?
According to Forbes (2023) presenteeism is almost 10 times higher in organisations than absenteeism which can cut individual productivity by one-third or more.
What causes it?
Stress and overwhelm is one factor.
Stress and overwhelm is one factor.
Long working hours due to the pressure of work are still often seen as a badge of honour, particularly if the individual fears redundancy with bills to pay.
This results in overwork that leads to extreme levels of stress that can paralyse wellbeing and productivity.
Particularly if working in an organisation that has a culture of setting unrealistic deadlines or a too high a workload for its employees.
Thank goodness the value driven organisations and directors that I work with have and are addressing this.?
They make sure their teams stop work at a reasonable time to have a life outside work.?
They create a culture of inclusivity where teams feel safe to experiment to innovate.
However….no matter how great a positive culture shift is….
It’s all too easy to allow ourselves to fall into the trap of perpetual motion……
In the whirlwind of our modern lives with so many responsibilities and demands……
As we become ensnared in the never-ending cycle of tasks, meetings, and deadlines, we can slip into being convinced that constant action is the only path to success.?
We risk becoming reactive instead of proactive.
We get caught in the minutiae instead of focusing on our overarching vision.
We risk losing sight of the bigger picture without moments of stillness, without opportunities to step back and reassess.?
How to prevent this in your team?
There is great power in embedding strategies to embrace and enhance resilience in your organisation.
One of the most potent tools in your leadership repertoire lies in the deliberate act of pausing.
Yes……...?
Taking a purposeful pause creates space for reflection…..
This is a hallmark of true confidence and resilience, never a sign of weakness or indecision.?
It can be challenging to embrace the idea of slowing down in a world where ‘busyness’ is a badge of honour!
So, how to harness the transformative power of the pause?
Firstly, grant yourself permission to decelerate and stop!?
Yes as I know too well….
It’s easier said than done!
Yet the rewards are immense!
It's crucial to acknowledge that it's okay to take a breather….
To extricate ourselves from the frenetic pace of life and allocate time for space and reflection.?
Just 5 mins in fresh air can make a difference.
Nature is a real healer!
I love swimming - it’s like meditation for me.
I get so much clarity.
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The power of sitting quietly for 5-10 mins resting your eyes away from the screen.
Or enjoy a steaming cuppa.
The power of creating time to give yourself space as a non-negotiable aspect of your routine. Book it in your calendar!
Secondly, utilise this temporal reprieve for reflection.?
Have a selection of questions to ask yourself .?
? What accomplishments can I celebrate??
? In what areas do I have room for growth??
? Are my actions aligned with my long-term aspirations??
? Am I on track with my vision??
?What is my vision even?
We can glean invaluable insights that serve as compass points when we relinquish the reins momentarily
Take a step back….
Never underestimate the significance of self-care!
Self-care is just that ……caring for yourself……
Whatever that means to you….only you!?
Someone else’s self-care might be your punishment and vice versa.?
I love running and swimming and going to the gym.??
For some this could be purgatory and not self-care at all!?
So while you know you cannot pour from an empty vessel.?
Nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being isn't an act of selfishness….
It’s imperative.?
Now more than ever,?
Leadership necessitates the presence of confident, resilient directors at the helm.?
By embracing the potency of the pause, by creating the space necessary for introspection and rejuvenation, not only do we enhance our efficacy as leaders, but we also inspire those within our sphere of influence to follow suit.
So, here's to taking a breath, stepping back, and embracing the transformative potential of the pause.
Until next week,
Take care
Lizzy ??
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#resilience #confidence #leadership #live #space
Helping jobseekers attract more job offers with a personal-brand-focused LinkedIn profile, resume & content | Senior Recruitment Advisor | Personal Brand Strategist
11 个月Thank you for shedding light on the pervasive issue of presenteeism. Presenteeism is indeed a silent productivity killer that often goes unnoticed. It is the responsibility of the Leader to foster an environment where employees feel empowered to take the necessary time off to recharge. This not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to the overall health of the organisation.
Coach, Speaker & Trainer Guiding AEC professionals to Design & Build an ALIGNED Life | Learn to Be Fully Present While Doing What Is Important to YOU | Avoid Stress, Burnout & Anxiety | Find Work / Life Harmony
11 个月I like the way you got to the final point. It is so important that we take time to stop moving so we can go forward in the direction we want to!
Business strategist and founder of Collaboration Global, bringing good people together to create positive impacts on our world. Collaboration is my passion, our route to a better future for all.
11 个月Oh what a useful button that would be Dr Lizzy Bernthal , it is a habit we all need to acquire, giving ourselves grace to be. This gives our mental health the first step back to wellness.
Inspiring ambitious professionals to take control of their careers and create a life and career they love| Journey to Leadership Success | Executive coach | Leadership coach | Women in leadership | Motivational Maps
11 个月Swimming does it for me too - definitely a meditation practice!