I still vividly remember and regularly reflect on a conversation I had with my CEO early in my career as the chief learning officer and vice president of U.S. training for McDonald’s Corp. He said to me, “Diana, you have such an important role on my executive team; are you ensuring you have enough time to think?”
I remember being caught so off-guard by the question. What did he mean by that? Did he think I wasn’t leading my team and the learning and development function in the right direction? Didn’t he understand the massive amount of work my team was involved in? So I took a deep breath and asked for clarification, a tad worried at what I might hear. Instead, I heard some of the best advice I’ve ever been given.
He explained how important it is for leaders to take the time—to make the time—to step back and refresh their perspective if they are to continue leading others in the right direction, and ensure the company remains relevant and successful. He explained that as a CEO he actually scheduled “think time” on his busy calendar.
Read the full article on Chief Learning Officer.