We're encouraged to be quick, responsive and always on.

But what happens when urgency becomes identity, reaction becomes leadership and speed becomes a virtue?

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on why he believes the pause is becoming an unfashionable leadership skill—and why that might be a problem.

Discover why the pause sits at the heart of Ross's leadership framework and a simple practice to help create more choice in moments that matter.

Reflection Question

Pause for 5 seconds and as yourself - what's needed here?

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• Leadership beyond autopilot - The McIntosh ACT Leadership Framework

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QS1

[00:00:00] Ross: The pause isn't passivity. The pause creates choice. Hi there, and welcome to People Soup Quick [00:00:10] Spoon, real conversations about work, leadership, and being human.

[00:00:14] I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your quick spoon. The pause is the gateway skill in my leadership [00:00:20] framework and I think it's become a little unfashionable. we're encouraged to be quick, responsive, always on.

[00:00:27] But here's what I've noticed. [00:00:30] Without pause, urgency can become identity. Reaction can become leadership, and speed can become a virtue. The pause isn't [00:00:40] about slowing everything down. It's about creating enough space to choose your next move rather than simply react. Here's something to try. before your next [00:00:50] important email, meeting, or conversation, pause for five seconds.

[00:00:55] Notice what's happening, then ask, "What's needed [00:01:00] here?" That's your Quick Spoon. Until next time, take care.

[00:01:05]