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Creating your active void, strategically
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Creating your active void, strategically
The world of work has changed and continues to change daily. Issues are no longer that predictable but they are rather emergent (Rothaizer, 2019). As a leader you need time to be agile in how you respond to the ever-changing world of work. All too often the leaders of an organisation are booked up for weeks in advance with back-to-back meetings in their calendars. The latter does not leave much room for dealing with emergent issues or strategic thinking.
Leaders can change this by adding active voids also known as white space to their diaries on a weekly basis. White space should not be thought of as unused space because it is an important part of the design itself. As mentioned, it is an “active” void (McKinney, 2010). To create white space requires balance and proper planning. White space can be created by rethinking some of the meetings you attend, planning your week ahead and literally blocking out time in your calendar to think. The world we live in is full of interruptions and jostles at every turn for our attention. Very often there is no time to finish thinking or completing something before there is an interruption or another meeting to attend (Timmens, 2021). That is what makes white space so valuable, especially for leaders. White space is a very effective tool for various reasons, and it will only cost you managing time more sensibly and holding to planned white space.
White space is your strategically planned active void. Planning for it will provide time for much needed strategic thinking and reflection. It will allow time for you to think without interruptions and to deal with emergent issues within the organisation. Challenge yourself to add white space to your week. It will only help you become a happier human being and an even more effective leader (Rothaizer, 2019).
References:
McKinney, M. (2010). Does Your Leadership Have “White Space?” Retrieved from
https://bit.ly/3vAL1jg
Rothaizer, J.M. (2021). Why Senior Leaders Need White Space In Their Calendars (And How To Make It Happen). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/09/27/why-senior-leaders-need-white-space-in-their-calendars-and-how-to-make-it-happen/?sh=2b10050746b3
Timmins, B. (2021). The Thinking Environment - a system for psychological safety. Retrieved from https://www.timetothink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/the-thinking-environment-a-system-for-psychological-safety.pdf