The Power of the Pause

I have never been one for pauses – always jumping from one thing to the next (or one job to another) without any time in between. From the early part of my career, I was programmed to play a leading role in the daily grind because that was all I knew. That grind was comfortable, it was my identity. I was so entrenched in my day-to-day that a pause – either short or long – just wasn’t a part of the equation. So, I decided to do something about it, to embrace what I was previously unable to embrace.

I am currently almost three months into an extended pause following a post-acquisition transition. I was fortunate to be elected as a fellow in the inaugural cohort of the UChicago Leadership & Society Initiative (LSI) which is proving to be the perfect pause and potential bridge from a more than 25-year career in the communications industry to something entirely different perhaps...I don’t know yet and that’s okay. ?

A few realizations so far:

1.?Identity – The question I asked myself and others the most as I was transitioning from my corporate job was: how long will it be before I am irrelevant? It may seem silly, but that is what a more than 25-year career (identity) in the same industry will do to you. However, I am quickly finding out that my identity is Geoff, not a chief communications officer, not a communicator, just Geoff.

2.?Clarity – Pause creates perspective, which has allowed me to evaluate my paths and decisions with a clearer mind, leading to more informed choices and direction. My mind is clearer than it has ever been because I have allowed it to be. I am finally allowing myself to think.

3.?Appreciation – I am thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life and career and am now clearly seeing the importance of appreciating and understanding the experiences and knowledge of those around me, the power in creative collaboration and the power of connection and conversation.

4.?Growth/Development – Pauses are opportunities to reconnect with ourselves, our passions and our friends and loved ones, allowing us to feel more grounded, which is something I needed. Reflecting on achievements and areas for improvement has enabled me to identify opportunities for learning and development.

One important thing – pauses are not about stopping. They are about taking a moment to breathe, reflect and realign with our core values and goals. Pauses are a deliberate act of stepping back to gain clarity, which, in my situation is allowing me to move forward with greater purpose and intention.

In a speech that Harry L. Davis, the Roger L., and Rachel M. Goetz Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Creative Management at Chicago Booth, gave at Booth’s graduation ceremony at the 537th convocation, he mentioned a quote attributed to pianist Artur Schnabel that has really stuck with me:

“The notes I handle are no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes—ah, that is where the art resides.”

For the first time, I am allowing for the pauses – and believe it will lead me to find the beauty in the blank space I am learning to call “art.” I am having a great time finding where the art resides.