Creating Space to Lead

Quite a bit of my front grass looks dead.

‍

Well, it is dead. But it’s not grass. It’s weeds. Dead weeds that we are clearing out to make space for grass to grow. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

‍

That in-between space - between clearing out the weeds and watching the grass grow - feels like a reflection of life right now.

‍

>> Michael finished elementary school, and now we are in the break before we transition to all the newness that comes with middle school.

‍

>> Business was super busy through May, and now June has allowed some breathing room to regroup and look forward.

‍

>> Our renovation is at a point where things are moving more slowly, and there is time to make adjustments between the steps.

‍

Wrapping up one thing. Thinking about what's next. Allowing the space between them.

‍

That’s the season we’re in.

‍

As I sit in the midst of it, I’m noticing how quickly I want to start something new and fill the gaps when something ends. But I also know that endings don’t have to lead straight into new beginnings.

‍

That more open time creates space - space to dream, to discover, to play, to experiment, to just take a break - and see what surprises your brain has to offer.

‍

There’s something powerful in allowing space.

‍

Letting it sit for a while.

‍

Trusting that something meaningful will grow in its own time.

‍

For leaders, this is an important lesson.

‍

Default mode is to keep moving forward, adding things to the project list, quickly tackling challenges as we work to keep up.

‍

And when we’re super busy, or when things feel very uncertain, it can feel like that’s all we really have time to do.

‍

But more and more, I think real growth/change/opportunity comes from letting things sit for a minute to see what bubbles up in open spaces.

‍

I don't have a perfect answer for how we find the balance between space and productivity. It’s been on my mind a lot lately.

‍

I think we can find it in small spaces, like my client who blocks an hour each week to think, daydream, or brainstorm.

‍

Or we can find it in more formalized processes, like my client who uses a process to evaluate all new project ideas - including time to sit with them before deciding yes or no.

‍

Either way, it requires trust, allowing, and a bit of intention.

‍

Because leadership isn’t just about adding more: more strategy, more meetings, more productivity.

‍

Sometimes it’s about the space you’re willing to create - to reflect, to reimagine, and to let something better take root.

‍

One great way to allow space is through the process we use in Wonder. If this topic resonates with you, now is the perfect time to join us.