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Last Friday, I had the honour of having a deep conversation on what a Pause means for leaders with Abirambika Ravivarman – Leadership n Team Coach, PCC, ACTC and Ravi Panicker ,PCC – ICF as a part of the leadership Insights Dialogue Series hosted by Abirambika. As it always is when we come together, the dialogue was wide ranging, deep and enjoyable sparking many thoughts and questions. Thank you to all the guests who joined us including Shaheen KareemBaskar ThulasiramanAman AttreeGaurav Sananse

This dialogue got me thinking over the weekend on the power and importance of a pause in Leadership communication. A pause basically allows the speaker’s brain to slow down which in turn allows it to take in more data and consider multiple angles before the next utterance. It is essentially that moment before external stimulus and the individual response. And, when we add a conscious breath to that momentary pause, we elevate ourselves to the superpower/superhuman category!

Here are three instances when a pause with a conscious breath helps a leader to communicate better.

1. Creating a connection: When we pause before sharing our views in a casual conversation, we allow the other person to experience more space, share more and feel more connected. We are also able to step into reduced judgement and more presence in that moment.
2. Having a difficult conversation: Pausing while having a difficult conversation allows us to step into more empathy and understand the deeper needs and perspectives of the speaker. This in turn helps the conversation move forward rather than in circles of blaming and naming.
3. Negotiating for a win-win: Our actions and reactions are often misguided due to our wrong perception of time. When we have a rushed fast paced conversation while negotiating we may make or retract an offer quickly in the heat of the moment only to regret it later. A pause allows the brain some time to process the data, deal with the emerging emotions and move forward more strategically toward a win-win solution. Additionally, a well held and confident pause also indicates calmness and control over the situation giving the leader leverage over the discussion.

Try it now and feel the power…take a conscious breath and pause for a moment before moving forward with your day.

Connect with me for more on leadership communication.

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