THINK TIME: Your Secret Weapon
When I’m operating at my most effective, strategic level, I make uninterrupted THINK TIME a regular practice and priority.
I obviously didn’t invent the idea. In fact, I first heard about it years ago in stories about Bill Gates’ twice-a-year “Think Week” habit when he was CEO of Microsoft.
As leaders, we are pulled in many different directions with never-ending distractions that make it very difficult to step back, think about our business, and revisit our “WHY.”
THINK TIME provides breathing room to do just that.
Remember, if it’s not CRYSTAL CLEAR in your mind where you and your company* are going, it’s going to be impossible to provide clarity to your team.
Getting away 2 or 3 times a year to ask yourself questions like the ones below is not only good for you, but it’s good for your company, team, and customers as well.
What do I want my company* to achieve in the next 3 years?
What do I want to be spending my time on?
How can I improve my leadership approach and style?
What trends are affecting our market?
What new technology is bringing opportunity or disruption?
How can we dramatically improve our customers’ experience?
What changes do I need to make on the team?
Who needs to move to a new seat?
Who needs a stretch opportunity?
* Or “team.” This isn’t only an effective practice for CEOs, but it’s valuable for anyone responsible for owning strategy and developing teams.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
From my own experience, there are a handful of practical techniques that improve the quality of my THINK TIME:
Get out of my normal surroundings to a place where I can have a healthy degree of isolation and focus. (e.g. rent an Airbnb, borrow a friends lake house, etc.)
Set aside 2 - 3 days. This seems to be just the right length for me to go deep. (NOTE: If that long is simply not an option for you in your circumstances, then take a single day at an “undisclosed location” nearby. I know someone who’s done their THINK TIME hiding out in a corner of a library all day.)
Prepare with purpose. Approach think time with intentionality by crafting a game plan in advance. Define themes or topics to guide your reflections and ensure focus.
No devices. In fact, I print out in advance what I’ll read during THINK TIME. The temptation to just check my email once or respond to that text is simply too great if I’m reading off an iPad or laptop. This includes no TV!
Pre-prepare food so I don’t waste time making meals and/or trying to decide what or where to eat.
Exercise in the morning and take mind-clearing walks in the afternoon or evening.
No alcohol. Other than maybe a drink at the end to celebrate successful THINK TIME.
If you have the privilege of being the leader of your organization or team, it’s a unique role that requires unique approaches. You have to remind yourself that this is not a selfish or privileged act, but one of leadership.
Give it a try! Plus, enable and encourage other leaders in your organization or CEOs of companies in your portfolio to give it a shot as well.
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection.
From reflection will come even more effective action.”
~Peter Drucker