How Slowing Down Accelerates Success For Leaders
Updated: Mar 11, 2024
Written by: Danielle Sunberg, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In our fast-paced world, the pursuit of results has become relentless. We've been conditioned to believe that constant busyness is the key to success, but deep down, we sense that this narrative is flawed. However, embracing the art of slowing down remains a challenge. We are trained to seek results through the narrow lens of task completion, ticking off items from our exhaustive to-do lists. When we broaden our perspective, we discover that slowing down enhances our ability to skillfully navigate life, propelling us forward on our path to success.
1. We Make Better Decisions
When we are present, we shift our focus from the distractions of the past or future to the current moment. We let go of what isn't happening right now, freeing up our mental bandwidth to observe and absorb the richness of the present. Research suggests that heightened awareness allows our brains to process up to 50% more information than when we are preoccupied or distracted. We tap into deeper levels of observation, attuning to nuances of our surroundings, subtle insights, and intuitive wisdom, all of which collectively enhance our ability to make fully informed decisions.
Our decision-making is further improved by remarkable clarity. Neuroscience has shown that being fully present activates brain regions associated with introspection and clarity. Liberated from our usual frenetic pace, our minds sharpen, enabling us to evaluate options with efficiency and precision. In the calm clarity of the present, we become astute observers, skillfully recognizing and harnessing the opportunities of each moment.
2. We Build Stronger Relationships
As we practice presence, we become more attuned to our surroundings, including our experience interacting with others. This heightened awareness deepens our connection to the world around us, naturally enhancing our empathy, compassion, and inclination toward collaboration.
By forging deeper connections with our teams, we experience more authentic and lasting success. Studies show that cultivating presence leads to higher emotional intelligence, stronger interpersonal skills, and increased team cohesion. This results in more innovative ideas, improved communication through open dialogue, and higher engagement and satisfaction among team members. All of these massively impact the bottom line, with Gallup reporting that teams with strong connections outperform less connected ones by a staggering 21% in profitability.
3. We Lead with Integrity
Renowned spiritual teacher Ram Dass emphasized the transformative potential of presence with his teaching, "Be here now." For entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals, embracing this practice allows us to transcend societal expectations and access our authentic selves. Immersed in the present moment, we tap into the wisdom within that becomes our unwavering compass amidst the pressures of success. Guided by this compass of integrity, our choices align with our values and our desires, fostering personal growth, fulfillment, and sustainable success that extends far beyond the bottom line.
In a world consumed by speed and constant activity, the power of slowing down remains an underappreciated secret to accelerate success. By practicing presence, we unlock the ability to make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead with confidence in who we are. If you would benefit from support along your journey as an authentic leader or seek to unlock the power of presence, please reach out to me or take a look at this free reflection guide I’ve created to help you move forward.
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Danielle Sunberg, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Danielle Sunberg is a former attorney turned TEDx and authentic leadership speaker, author, and coach. Her new book, “Atlas of Being: From Briefcase to Backpack, One Former Lawyer's Exploration of the Human Way,” is an Amazon 1 New Release. After successfully defending her client at trial against a $6 billion judgment, Danielle was diagnosed with depression. She left her firm to travel six continents, exploring the farthest corners of the world and the innermost reaches of the human soul to understand what it meant to live a truly fulfilling life. Danielle bridges her expertise in the corporate world with self-development to guide leaders to transform themselves, their business, and the world.
