Last week during a webinar that I hosted for a group of business leaders we took the opportunity to discuss some of the not so normal aspects toward development, leadership and ongoing improvement.

As part of that discussion, I raised the element of space and its role in getting the best out of self and of the people around us.

I had it transcribed and here is an excerpt from what I presented:

I truly believe that one of the most important aspects of ongoing performance, positive action or genuine understanding is space.

But no, not as Lost In ……

But space as in allowing the process of understanding, action, development and achievement to expand, grow and mature.

But what is space?

The definition for the context we are discussing would be along the lines of:

The time, the perspective, and the distance between two points that allows them to grow, to flourish, and to succeed.

It is about telling your kids to tidy their room but giving them space and time to allow that to happen.

It is about after giving someone an instruction, allowing that person the space to understand, comprehend and realise the best way to go forward from that instruction or direction.

It is about knowing a certain piece of information but rather than responding straight away, allowing space for the next action to take place, to see what will happen and why.

It’s about taking a step back and taking the time to let your mind consider all possibilities, as opposed to going with the first idea that pops into your head.

But how does the concept of space aid you with effective leadership practice?

Well like many other characteristics of Leadership, the role of space is situation specific.

In some cases, space will be the worst possible move you can make. In other situations, it will be the best for both you and for those involved.

If you can realise the difference if you can realise the relevance and then know when to use it and when not to, it will become a very useful tool.

But how can space be better utilised?

First by knowing its role, its application and its place. Next by not over-using it — by not trying to apply it for the sake of convenience.

But with that said, from my experiences space is a commodity that is mostly under-utilised than overused.

For most leaders, it is about letting go of the need to be across every aspect, at every level and in every situation.

As I said earlier, it is not about standing back and applying the ‘sink or swim’ mentality; but it is about giving those that you lead space to work some things out for themselves.

Show some respect and belief in those around you by giving them space where appropriate, needed or relevant, and in the process watch those you lead grow in understanding, knowledge, results and, most of all, confidence and productivity.

And as you do watch carefully as…

The Journey Continues!