In this episode of LeaderSHOP, Rodger Dean Duncan explores a challenge that nearly every leader faces—moving from one demand to the next without time to think. With calendars packed and meetings stacked back-to-back, there’s little opportunity to process what just happened or prepare for what’s coming next. This conversation introduces a more effective way of working, one that creates space to reflect, reset, and move forward with greater clarity and intention.
Juliet Funt challenges the modern obsession with busyness and introduces the intentional use of “white space.” Rather than moving from one task to the next without pause, she shows how creating small moments, or “wedges”, between activities allows leaders to process what just happened, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. By building these pauses into the day, leaders can think more clearly, make better decisions, and bring greater focus and energy to their work.
Busy work crowds out meaningful work — excessive meetings, emails, and tasks create constant motion without clear direction
Small pauses have outsized impact — short “wedges” between activities allow time to digest, reset, and prepare
Much urgency is self created — many pressures and timelines are arbitrary and can be adjusted to improve outcomes
Review your day for patterns — identify where you move from one task to the next without time to think
Create small spaces between activities — add brief pauses to reflect on what just happened and prepare for what’s next
Reduce unnecessary urgency — revisit timelines and expectations that may be creating avoidable pressure
