Your People Need This From You

This needs to happen more often.  

Recently, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau made the news. At a press conference a reporter asked him about his thoughts on our President's call for military action against protesters.  For 21 seconds, he stood there silent....thinking....about his response.  

In 2001, when President George Bush was reading to a class of 2nd graders and his chief of staff interrupted him and whispered into his ear "a second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack"....the president sat there for 7 minutes...silent...thinking...about his response.  

Now, you may or may not think that 7 minutes or even 21 seconds is too long to pause, but it raises an important discussion about thinking before we speak. 

As leaders, it is harmful to those around us when we react, instead of respond.  Damage is caused when we speak or make choices that are hasty or impulsive or emotionally driven.  

Leadership requires discernment. Time and thought are required for discernment.  Leaders come across urgent and uncomfortable situations daily.  As leaders, do you find yourself jumping to address those situations, or do you take a pause to consider the best course of action for those around you?  

I encourage all of us to practice pausing and giving ourselves the opportunity to respond wisely and in turn, protecting those around us.