Time and Relationships

This week, while preparing for the New Year, I found myself reflecting on the concepts of time and relationships, two grand ideas that I have been exploring this year. That reflection naturally caused me to revisit two transformative works that have profoundly shaped my understanding of human connection and time: Martin Buber's "I and Thou" and Abraham Joshua Heschel's "The Sabbath." Their wisdom resonates deeply with the challenges modern leaders face in creating meaningful connections and managing the precious resource of time. These philosophical giants, though writing decades apart, share remarkable insights about the nature of authentic relationships, the sanctity of presence, and the transformative power of sacred encounters. Their teachings illuminate three essential principles for leadership: the distinction between treating people as objects versus subjects, the importance of creating spaces for genuine dialogue, and the recognition that time itself can be invested with profound meaning.

The first insight calls us to examine how we relate to others in our professional lives. Buber's fundamental distinction between I-It relationships (where we treat others as objects to be used or experienced) and I-Thou encounters (where we meet others in their full humanity) challenges us to reflect on our leadership interactions. How often do we rush through meetings, viewing team members merely as resources to achieve our goals, rather than engaging with them as full human beings with their own complex dreams, struggles, and insights? When we shift from viewing our teams as a means to an end and instead create space for genuine encounters, we unlock unprecedented levels of trust, creativity, and commitment. This transformation begins with a simple yet profound choice: to be fully present and to recognize the potential in every interaction.

The second principle reminds us of the power of creating dedicated spaces for authentic dialogue. Just as Heschel describes the Sabbath as a "palace in time" - a sanctuary from the relentless pursuit of spatial achievements - leaders can construct temporal sanctuaries where genuine connection can flourish. These moments might take the form of regular one-on-ones freed from agenda items, team retreats designed for deeper sharing, or simply pausing during a busy day to engage in deep conversation. When we consciously step out of the tyranny of tasks and deadlines, we create opportunities for what Buber calls "genuine dialogue" - encounters where something new and unexpected can emerge between people who are fully present to each other.

The third insight teaches us about the quality of time itself. Heschel's radical proposition that we must "build cathedrals in time" rather than space challenges leaders to reconsider how we structure our organizations' rhythms. Rather than viewing time merely as a resource to be managed and maximized, we can learn to see certain moments as inherently precious - opportunities for transformation, connection, and meaning-making. This might mean establishing regular periods for collective reflection or celebration, creating what Heschel calls "moments of eternity in the midst of time."

In life and leadership, our greatest impact and the ambition of leadership often comes not from what we achieve but from how we show up in relationships with those we lead and love. By embracing these timeless principles - treating each encounter as potentially precious, creating spaces for genuine dialogue, and recognizing the significance of time well spent - we can transform our organizations from mere places of productivity into sanctuaries of meaning and growth. The wisdom of Buber and Heschel reminds us that true leadership is not just about reaching destinations but about creating moments of genuine encounter along the way.

I wish you a year of prosperity, health, and flourishing.

With love, gratitude, and wonder,

Scott