“Pausing for self-awareness is like unlocking the doors to a series of rooms,” writes Kevin Cashman in his book, The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward (Berrett-Koehler, 2012). “While a reflective pause is the key to unlocking self-awareness, self-awareness in turn opens the doorways to authenticity, character, and purpose. Personal leadership growth is the ongoing process of being, and becoming a more authentic leader.” He then points out that “All real change begins with self-change; pause is a catalyst of self-change.”
Ron Adner in his book, The Wide Lens: A New Strategy For Innovation (Portfolio/Penguin, 2012), writes: “No matter your situation, your success depends not just on your own efforts but also on the ability, willingness, and likelihood that the partners that make up your innovation ecosystem succeed as well.”
Right now, when I pause, reflect, and open the doors to a greater understanding about authenticity, character, and purpose, I recognize that successful change depends on the ability, willingness, and the likelihood that my partners can also be successful. And when I see the world from this wider perspective, I recognize and realize that, in the midst of all that is happening locally, nationally, and globally, goodness still exists, beauty still abounds, and compassion and kindness are still the right choices to make, no matter the situation before us.
Furthermore, when we choose to lead with love and mutual care, it is a blessing for both the care giver and the one being cared for. It also is a wise choice that transcends pain, cruelty, and struggle. It is an origin moment, where a new story can be told, and it is a genesis moment for a new beginning. The sum of these two actions creates a foundation from which to build or rebuild a culture of integrity, respect, and interdependence.
As Margaret Wheatley reminds us, “Thinking is the place where intelligent actions begin. We pause long enough to look more carefully at a situation, to see more of its character, to think about why it’s happening, to notice how it’s affecting us and others.” Then, she notes, “We must encounter the truth of this world and let it change us. We must become familiar with despair and depression, not as destination but as recurring emotions on our journey. And we must never lose sight of our true destination, discovering our path of contribution. The Chaos Cycle doesn’t end in chaos. It ends with heightened clarity and intensified meaning for how we can use our power and influence to serve this time. We can trust this path - it leads us out of the dark woods into a bright clearing where we realize what is truly meaningful in our lives and work.”
And what is the role of a leader in the midst of all that is taking place? “Leaders remind people what is important,” explains the late Warren Bennis. They support us when we pause and reflect. They remind us about the importance of authenticity, character, and purpose. They point out the importance of building a network of partners, allies, and confidants. They help us to remember that goodness still exists, beauty still abounds, and compassion and kindness are still the right choices to make, no matter the situation before us. While the path before us is complicated and complex, clarity, commitment, and connections will always lead “us out of the dark woods into a bright clearing where we realize what is truly meaningful in our lives and work.”
So, this week, pause, reflect, and engage in self change. Then, support others to join you in this important, transformational process. The world needs you to be your best self, and your friends, family, and community need this, too.
© Geery Howe 2026
Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change
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