There’s a wonderful power in knowing when to hold back. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and thoughtfully choose your response can be truly transformative, especially in leadership. It’s one of the most impactful tools we can embrace!
Throughout my career, I used to pride myself on having all the answers and reacting swiftly. I believed that effective leadership meant being decisive and always on the move. However, life has a way of imparting lessons that no corporate environment can teach.
As I led large technology teams, navigated billion-dollar mergers, and balanced being a mother and entrepreneur, I started to notice a change within myself. I realized that I was often reacting rather than truly leading. I might have been efficient, but I wasn’t always effective. I was physically present but not fully engaged.
That’s when I discovered the beauty of the pause. By taking that moment to regroup, I learned to lead with intention and clarity. It’s a game-changer, and I’m excited to continue sharing this journey!

What Does It Mean to Pause?

Taking a pause is truly a powerful and thoughtful choice! It’s not about being unsure or stalling; it’s about embracing awareness.
That brief moment of breath before tackling a tough question allows us to gather our thoughts and connect with our teams. It’s the beautiful silence where we listen to truly understand.
In our fast-paced world, pausing is a refreshing act of intentionality and courage. It’s like a gentle reminder to slow down and prioritize meaningful decisions. Let’s celebrate those moments of reflection—they can lead to incredible insights and stronger connections!

Why the Pause Matters

Taking a moment to pause can truly transform our perspective! In that brief, intentional breath, we gain the opportunity to acknowledge our biases, reset our emotions, and refocus our thoughts.

This allows us to shift from being reactive to responsive, turning rigid responses into thoughtful reflections. That small change can mean the difference between conversations that erode trust and those that foster it.

I’ve experienced firsthand how a simple 30-second pause has saved valuable relationships in my leadership journey.

Whether it’s taking a quick stroll before responding to an email or asking, “Can I take a moment to think this over and get back to you?” has provided clarity I never knew I needed.

As leaders, we have the power to shape the emotional atmosphere. When we take the time to pause, we cultivate a sense of presence and connection. Let’s embrace that!

How to Practice the Pause

It’s simpler than you might think—and it starts with awareness.
Here are a few ways I’ve integrated the pause into my leadership practice:

The Breath Pause: Before every meeting, take three deep breaths. This grounds your nervous system and helps you walk in a clear-headed state.

The Reflective Pause: End each day with three questions:
What did I do well today?
Where could I have shown up differently?
Who might need a little more from me tomorrow?

The Response Pause: When emotions run high, try this mantra: Pause. Breathe. Choose. Permit yourself not to have an immediate answer.
These micro-pauses may seem small, but over time, they rewire how you lead—and how you live.

In the Stillness, We Grow

There’s a strength in leaders who can hold space—who don’t rush to fill silence with words or clutter their calendars with noise. These are the leaders who create calm in the midst of chaos. Who inspire trust, not just with their intelligence but with their presence.

So, the next time you find yourself in a high-stakes moment, try the pause.
It may feel small, but its impact is anything but.

Because in the stillness, we don’t lose momentum. We find meaning.
And in leadership, meaning always moves people more than motion ever will.

With you on the journey,
Christine Moffett