Think Time

When I’m operating at my best and most strategic level, I make 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 (see “Resources” below). At first, it sounded like a luxury of time that I couldn’t afford until I actually did it myself. On that first THINK TIME, I immediately recognized it as an extremely valuable strategic tool to focus onq my business and its trajectory with a fresh perspective.
I know it’s good for me and my business, so why wouldn’t I do it?
“Thinking is hard work; that’s why so few do it.”
- Albert Einstein
  • As a leader, 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 space to do just that.

  • 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?
I know the strange sense of guilt that can come with this. I’ve thought to myself, “My team is busy working, and I’m going off to some secluded location just to think?” If you're humble and hardworking, it may not feel equitable to you. However, if you have the privilege of being the leader of your organization, it’s a unique role that requires unique approaches. You have to remind yourself that this is not a selfish act but one of leadership.
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From reflection will come even more effective action.” 
- Peter Drucker

Practical Tips

  • From my own experience, here are a handful of practical things 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.
  • 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 situation, 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.)
  • Don’t just show up. Be sure to have a game plan.
  • Pick some themes or topics in advance to ensure focus.
  • No devices. In fact, I print out in advance what I’ll read during THINK TIME. The temptation to check my email "just once" or respond to that text is simply too great.
  • Pre-prepare meals, so I don’t waste time trying to decide what to eat.
  • Exercise in the morning and take mind-clearing walks in the afternoon or evening.
  • No TV. It’s a time suck and mindless distraction that diminishes my focus.
  • No alcohol. Other than maybe a drink at the end to celebrate successful THINK TIME.
My reading materials from a recent THINK TIME

Resources

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