Take your space this August

Are you super busy? I bet you are.

Most of the nonprofit leaders I coach are too. Each day brings new demands, crises and challenges to be dealt with.

I really feel for you. And in the summer holidays, especially if you are a parent or have caring responsibilities, life and work can get even more pressured.

I know it's a struggle to look above the parapet, breathe and see the bigger picture sometimes, isn't it?

Thinking clearly and strategically - such an important part of a leadership role - can so easily get sacrificed in the challenge to get through all the day-to-day demands of being a leader.

??Creating space is a priority

I’m convinced we should be looking for more of the quieter, spacious moments in our days where you can breathe and think clearly. Where taking that space is the real priority, not a ‘slot in’.

And it's not just for your own wellbeing.

It’s in these moments of quiet that the real jewels lie. This is where your get your big ideas. The innovations. The brave new solutions to challenges and problems.

Organising yourself to the hilt, with productivity and time management strategies, is not really the answer to the big questions. The gems don’t emerge from long hours or meetings, or from ticking off the ‘to do’ list super quick. They don’t come out of all this ‘busyness’, which we know is not that good for us.

They come from space and time.

??Leaders create space

The most successful leaders I know all prioritise building breathing-space into their working lives. I interviewed a bunch of social good CEOs for a series of videos and each one said they made sure to create space for reflection even when they were super busy. On the train, on a run, out with peers. It was a essential for them to find time to step out of the day-to-day every now and again and think spaciously.

??Give me some slack!

The thing is, when you're really up against it, you tend not to have your most creative ideas. In fact, time pressures literally limit your brain from this kind of thinking In the current tricky climate, you want to be focusing on the bigger picture, looking for new insights and speaking confidently and bravely from a place of knowing. You need a bit of space to do this.

Here are my three top suggestions for how to find some breathing space:

1. Own your own time

I invite you to remember that you are in charge. You can organise their own time. You choose - even though it really, really doesn't always feel that way, I know. I encourage you to schedule some slack into your week unapologetically. Even if it's 10 minutes.

I love the idea of the ‘untouchable’ day when everything is unplugged and you really can get the creative juices flowing. A whole day may be ambitious but is it possible to find a morning or afternoon when you’re not to be disturbed?

2. Take a step back

Every now and again you want to be taking a look at the challenges you’re grappling with from a fresh perspective. The best ideas might come from taking an afternoon run in a nearby park, wandering about an exhibition or getting out into the countryside with a wise friend.

You don’t have to justify this to yourself or anyone else. It’s an investment in yourself and in your organisation.

I take every August as 'Space Month' when I enjoy some holiday time and work 'on' my business rather than 'in' it. I know how lucky I am to be able to organise this precious time for myself.

In a way, the name of it is a bit tongue-in-cheek - I don't get that much space in actual fact. I have lots to do at home with two daughters back from uni and there's always a load of procrastinated admin to do. But - because I've set the intention of finding space, it gives me permission to lift my head up whenever possible. To make that the priority and do things differently.

3. Meet up with others

Time spent with peers does wonders for tired thinking. Networking events and peer support groups get you out of the office, spark off new ideas, give you permission for courageous choices and challenge the edges of your comfort zone.

I've started to see more of my own peers more recently and it's done wonders. How can you get this into your working life more regularly?

Thank you for reading this article in my Loving Leadership newsletter. I hope it's inspired you in the amazing work you do.

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Katie Duckworth is an infectiously enthusiastic change-maker, cheer-leader and inspirer of non-profit leaders and their teams working all out for a better world. Her coaching is warm and empowering. Her training, practical, engaging and fun.