The power of the pause

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” ~ Viktor Frankl

Most leaders underestimate that space - the pause. But it’s often where clarity, empathy, and leadership truly begin.

Let’s talk about it more today 👇

 🔥Today’s Deep Dive

The power of the pause for leaders

🔮A leadership moment

In a tense crisis meeting years ago, a senior executive I was observing did something remarkable. When challenged, she didn’t rush to defend her decision - she paused, took a breath, and calmly asked, “Tell me more about what’s worrying you.”

That single pause transformed conflict into collaboration.

🪄Why it works 

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who take even brief pauses during high-stress interactions make significantly better decisions and are perceived as more emotionally intelligent.

Neuroscientists call this the “response inhibition” effect - a short pause activates your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for logic and empathy, helping you move from reaction to reflection.

🤺Try this today

The 3-second rule : Here’s a simple way to build your “pause muscle” -

• When challenged or interrupted, take a slow breath and count “one… two… three…” in your mind.

• In those seconds, ask yourself: What’s my goal - to win, or to understand?

• Then respond.

Over time, you’ll notice fewer arguments, more insight, and stronger trust.

🧭 Key takeaway for leaders

As leaders, always practice the below, to lead with intension-

These small pauses signal confidence, not hesitation - and over time, they transform not just conversations, but cultures.

When was the last time a pause changed the outcome for you?

♻️If this resonated with you, share it with someone who leads with thought, not impulse.