Finding Quiet and Strategic Reflection in a Noisy World

One of the most common struggles we hear from leaders we serve is how pervasive busy-ness is, how it detracts from the opportunity to reflect and be strategic.

One of our very favorite concepts was honed by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linksy in their work on Adaptive Leadership. This theory uses the metaphor of the dance floor and the balcony to define tactical, operational items vs strategy and vision, respectively.  

It is so easy for us to stay on the dance floor. Why? Because often, we feel our worth is in what we get done. For some, it may be that they really enjoy the work of the dance floor, ie, technical and operational work. For others, it may be a form of protecting self - “Hey, this is what got me here, ie, my technical expertise. I just got promoted to leader and I’m scared to go up to that balcony because then people will find out I don’t know what I’m doing.”  

So why go to the balcony? It is where we can see the larger picture, and where we develop our vision. We see new ways of being and are able to develop our strategic leadership.

It takes rigor and commitment to ensure with all of our To Dos, that we make it up to the balcony, away from the crowds, to find a quiet spot to reflect and see the larger horizon of the dance floor. By stepping away from the dance floor and sitting in a quiet corner of the dance hall with dim lights and opportunities to reflect, we can find new ways of solving problems. We gain perspective, vision, and insight. Sometimes doing more requires stepping away, silence, and reflection.  

What actions can you take to find a quiet nook on the balcony as we head into 2023?