On Time

With 10 mins left in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers were down by 1 and the Panthers were trying to eat up the clock to win the season. The Oilers had come back from an impossible 0-3 deficit to within striking distance of the greatest comeback in NHL history. For the Oilers, the clock was moving fast, each second passing without a goal was another second toward oblivion. For the Panthers, on the other hand, the clock was moving slowly; each second on the ice was another potential to be upset. As those moments ticked away, I thought about how our experience of time is relative and wondered if that is the case, how can we as leaders become masters of time. I came up with three ideas.

See the future and let it go to stay on target. As leaders, we need to have a clear vision of where we're heading, but we can't become so fixated on that future that we lose sight of the present. It's like a hockey player who sees the open net but still needs to navigate the defense in front of them. We must hold our vision lightly, allowing it to guide us without becoming a rigid expectation that blinds us to current realities. This balance allows us to stay agile, adapting to changes while keeping our ultimate goal in sight. By seeing the future and then letting it go, we free ourselves to fully engage with the present moment, making decisions and taking actions that align with our long-term objectives but are responsive to current conditions.

Please keep in mind your surroundings without being controlled by them. In the heat of a crucial game, players must maintain awareness of their teammates, opponents, and the overall flow of play, all while focusing on their immediate task. Similarly, as leaders, we need to cultivate a broad awareness of our environment - market trends, team dynamics, and competitive landscape - without letting this information overwhelm or distract us from our core responsibilities. It's about finding that sweet spot where we're informed but not reactive, aware but not anxious. This balanced awareness allows us to make decisions that are both strategic and contextually appropriate, helping us navigate complex situations with grace and effectiveness.

Be present in the moment to create as much expansion of time. When we're fully present, time seems to slow down. We notice things more, react more skillfully, and make better decisions. It's like when a skilled athlete seems to have all the time in the world to make a play, even under intense pressure. As leaders, cultivating this sense of presence can be a game-changer. When we're radically truly present in meetings, conversations, and decision-making moments, we create space for deeper insights, stronger connections, and more impactful actions. This presence allows us to expand our experience of time, making the most of every moment and leading with greater clarity and purpose.

In life and leadership, our relationship with time can be a defining factor in our success and fulfillment. By seeing the future while staying grounded in the present, maintaining broad awareness without losing focus, and cultivating deep presence in each moment, we can become masters of time rather than its servants. These practices allow us to navigate the ebb and flow of challenges and opportunities with greater skill and grace, much like a seasoned player maneuvering through a high-stakes game. For those we lead and love, our mastery of time sets an example of how to live and work with intention, making the most of every moment while keeping sight of the bigger picture. As we cultivate these skills, we not only enhance our own effectiveness but also create an environment where time becomes an ally rather than an adversary, allowing our teams and organizations to thrive in an ever-changing world.

With love, gratitude and wonder.

Scott