The Power of Small Time: Thinking Slow in the Fast Lane

A quiet leadership crisis is unfolding: the erosion of time to think.

Many leaders I work with in corporations around the world express a yearning for deeper thinking time amidst their busyness. They understand when I say the mantra should be to "think slow and act fast." Yet, ironically, the very essence of "thinking slow" eludes them, or stated more accurately is refused by them.

Think slow, act fast

I was introduced to this phrase by Bent Flyvbjerg’s work on megaprojects. Thinking slowly does not imply lethargy; rather, it requires intentionality, methodical planning, and precision in communication. It means gaining clarity in our objectives and decisions, being thoughtful in delegation, and strategically assembling teams and budgets. However, the lament is universal: "No one has time."

In this rush, we often resort to comforting phrases that inadvertently excuse this neglect. We hear mantras like "don't let perfection be the enemy of the good," or "we need a minimum viable product," as if to justify the relentless pace. These expressions, while pragmatic, risk absolving us from the responsibility of critical thought.

What, then, are we achieving if we forgo the time to think deeply and critically? What is the outcome of this ceaseless activity that merely hands off tasks from one person to the next? It feels as though we're perpetually racing to check off one item and proceed to the next, without pausing to ask: What is the ultimate goal of these endeavors?

The Small Time Solution

The paradox is palpable: everyone claims a lack of time. Perhaps this is because we aspire to "big time"—the luxury of uninterrupted hours or days for reflection and deep thought. While valuable, such expanses are rare. Instead, I propose we focus on "small time." These are the brief interludes that, cumulatively, foster profound insight and composure.

"Small time" can be as modest as a five-minute pause or a single deep breath before a meeting. It's about grounding our emotions and thoughts before making decisions. It's the initial moments where we question our true objectives. These snippets of time exist in the margins of our day: while waiting to pick up your children from school, during a commute, before a meeting starts, while the microwave runs, at a stoplight or waiting for the metro. Instead of pummeling our mind and senses with unnecessary podcasts, music, or news, these moments invite gentle reflection on pivotal decisions in work, family, and life.

Big Leadership from Small Time

Seeking out "small times" allows us to slow down time itself, weaving wisdom, kindness, and thoughtfulness into the fabric of our lives. By doing so, we not only enrich our own experiences but also become a blessing to others. We bring a presence, a depth, and a sense of greater purpose to our meetings and relationships, rendering our work both invaluable and impactful.

In embracing the power of "small time," we transform the narrative of leadership from one of frenetic action to one of considered, purposeful engagement. We become architects of not just our own success, but of a more thoughtful, connected world.

Find the small times in your day. Resist the urge to fill it with entertainment or busywork. Allow life to soften, slowdown and expand a bit. Breathe easy. Return to your values and priorities.

We have more time to think than we realize but perhaps in smaller portions than we have been expecting.