In a recent CCL (Center for Creative Leadership) newletter I read the following two statments.
- The process of slowing down and taking time out for learning and reflection will often improve decision making, foster efficiency and foster change in the culture.
- Am I confusing activity with meaningful action?
As a leader I desire and have an obligation to impact the culture around me, whether that culture is my workplace, home or community. Often I find that my efforts to impact the culture are centered on activity without much thought put into the purpose of the activity. I just move forward without having really thought about where I'm going and why I'm going there.
I find that when I do take time to slow down, reflect, and learn I usually gain a vision that will inform my future activity and the activity that I engage in is consequently beneficial to my surrounding culture.
I do think that the wise person will learn to ask herself/himself "Am I confusing activity and meaningful action" and will understand that meaningful action is born out of thoughful reflection and purpose seeking. The wise person will understand that being active isn't always the best use of one's time and that often we should slow ourselves down and just think!
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