Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Power of the Pause

A lot of new leaders feel pressure to have the right answer right away. And a lot of seasoned leaders get into trouble when they succomb to this pressure. In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most underestimated leadership tools out there: the pause.

We live in a world that rewards speed. Fast replies, quick decisions, and constant motion. But some of the best leadership moves come not from rushing forward, but from taking a breath, slowing down, and leading with intention.

We often glorify leaders who seem decisive, confident, and fast on their feet. There’s nothing wrong with decisiveness, but when we move too quickly, we risk making reactive choices that aren’t aligned with our values or the bigger picture.

As I share in this episode, “Quick doesn’t always mean smart, and decisive doesn’t always mean aligned.” If you’re always trying to prove you’re on top of things, you might actually be skipping over context, intuition, and clarity...the very elements that create strong, sustainable leadership.

Slowing Down Is Not Hesitation. It’s Intention

The pause is where alignment lives. It’s the moment you:

• Breathe before responding.

• Listen before speaking.

• Reflect before deciding.

In high-pressure moments, when urgency wants to take the wheel, that’s the time to pause and ask:

“Am I reacting or responding?”

In tough conversations, silence isn’t awkward. It’s powerful. Letting moments breathe builds depth, not defensiveness.

And in your weekly rhythms, slowing down helps you zoom out, realign with your vision, and make space for perspective.

How to Build the Pause into Your Leadership

Here are three practical ways to use this skill right away:

1. Take micro-pauses before responding.
   Even three seconds of breath before you answer can change your tone and clarity. It gives you time to regulate and respond with intention.

2. Protect blank space on your calendar.
   Avoid back-to-back scheduling. Build short breaks between meetings to reflect, stretch, or simply breathe. This isn’t wasted time — it’s where clarity is created.

3. Practice saying, “Let me get back to you.”
   You don’t need to answer every question immediately. Try:

   “I want to give that the thought it deserves. Can I circle back later today?”

   This models thoughtfulness and gives your team permission to do the same.

The Pause That Changed Everything

I once coached a leader who felt pressured to always be “on.” She made most of her decisions in the heat of urgency and spent hours later cleaning up missteps.

We introduced a simple practice: before answering any high-stakes question, she’d silently count to five. Within weeks, she noticed her tone shift, her team relax, and her decisions improve. One day, she caught herself about to say yes to something that would have derailed her week and then instead, she paused, reflected, and said no with confidence.

That pause gave her her power back.

The Real Power Behind the Pause

Leadership isn’t about always having the answer right away. It’s about knowing how to find it. And sometimes, that clarity only comes after a moment of quiet.

If you’ve been feeling rushed or reactive, remember: slowing down isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

Because in a world full of noise and urgency, the leader who pauses is the one who’s truly leading.

Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.