I recently had the privilege to take a mini-sabbatical from full-time work to explore new concepts, refine my skills and reflect on my own professional experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to step back and evaluate what’s worked well, and less well, in organizations I’ve been a part of; I’ve had the pleasure of talking to fascinating people about their professional pathways and influences; and I’ve explored the latest research, evidence and theory behind work I’ve been doing throughout my career. This time has allowed me to recognize where I excel and what I love to do, opened my eyes to new ideas and approaches, and has refreshed my mind and soul.

Imagine if you had this kind of time? Imagine if your whole team had this kind of time?!

I recognize that taking an extended break from work is a privilege that isn’t often realistic, but taking a routine and meaningful break from work should be. This means giving significant time, perhaps a half day every other week, to read up on the latest data and theories in your field, take an online course, reflect on what’s working for you and your team, talk to people outside your organization about what they’re doing, and escape from the echo chamber that every organization can become over time.

To do this right, you and your team members must have enough capacity. This means building in learning time as a portion of core work, not adding it on top of everything else. It also means creating opportunities and space for team members to share their relevant learning with others to multiply the benefits of their new knowledge and ideas. This whole idea can sound frivolous or naive. It’s true that building meaningful learning time into core job descriptions could mean that you have to take a deliverable or project off of your docket, or delay a product due to slower delivery. On the other hand, it might mean that you or someone on your team has a breakthrough process idea that allows you all to work smarter and more efficiently. It might mean that team members bring fresh ideas that enable you to produce something better than anything you’ve developed before. It might mean that your team members bring new enthusiasm to their work, collaborate more fluidly and turns over less frequently. In fact, I’d posit that it would likely mean many of those things – the return on your investment of time would be tangible and significant.

I have emerged from my dedicated learning period re-energized, re-focused, and full of powerful new ideas. I’m excited to bring this energy to the launch of KB Collaborative Impact, a consultancy that will leverage my unique strengths and deep experience to collaborate with organizations in support of strategic planning, team development and change management efforts. I am available to help organizations and teams navigate change and growth through a people-centric approach. Please explore my services  – I’d welcome the opportunity to help your team excel.