If your team is stuck in reactive, task-focused work, it might be time to shift gears. Constant execution can keep projects moving, but it also crowds out creativity, motivation, and long-term thinking. As a leader, you have the power to create space for deeper insight and strategy. Here’s how to encourage spacious thinking.
Focus on ideas, not just tasks. Rework meeting agendas to go beyond updates and action items and include space for learning, values, and development. Ask open-ended questions like “What have we learned recently?” to shift your team’s focus beyond the short term.
Introduce novelty. Routines stifle fresh thinking. Change the setting, shake up the guest list, or even use a new book or customer insight to spark a different kind of conversation. Break the cycle of “same room, same talk.”
Recognize the right behavior. It’s easy to reward speed and busyness. But don’t overlook those who pause to ask better questions or challenge assumptions. Make it clear that deeper thinking isn’t a delay—it’s a strength.
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