“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life…Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
—Steve Jobs
VIM Executive Coaching once knew an executive leader who was obsessed with marking time. A delightful person in many ways, the leader had the flaw of making the decision to “stick it out,” year after year in a modest CEO position, rather than trying to move on to another challenge. The leader decided, year-in and year-out to mark time. The executive was effective enough to keep the stakeholders happy however, to not take risks, step outside the narrow confines or to address the serious issues that were confronting the organization.
The leader finally retired after the gathering storm of needed transformation and the pressures of desired human resources change forced a decision. The executive leader who marked time, had projected sitting in the CEO’s seat for 35-years (incredible, huh?) instead, the leader lasted for nearly 32-years (still incredible, but…).
Courage to Take Time
Most executives and managers – at any level, are not urged to take time in making a decision. Our culture is wired to value people who act quickly, act decisively, act boldly. It is an impressive mindset; a swashbuckling and aggressive mindset. Unfortunately, decisions made in haste are as often monumental mistakes as much as they are impressive.
In the case of our executive leader above, the CEO of a nonprofit organization, there was no decision at all, unless it could be argued that not making a decision is still a decision. There was no desire to reflect, to reach a balanced and mindful conclusion, to proceed with necessary change and indeed, to help the organization.
The decision for the executive to depart the organization was due to the board saying it was high-time to leave (get out of here, already!). The organization languished, the employees were disgruntled, the mission of the organization was compromised. In other words, no decision = no plan = a waste of time. The organization was in the doldrums. The length of time in an organization does not indicate the mindfulness of decisions.
The courage to make a decision, the courage to respond to change, is the courage to be mindful. Yes, it could be argued that during the 32-year tenure the organization was stable. However, how is stability measured in the midst of change? It worked out, perhaps, for the executive leader but what about the organization?
Mindfully Act
Unless decisions are made in mindfulness, of responding rather than reacting, of being authentic and true to core values, what is gained? A sea captain may set a course with mindful intention, or the ship can drift if its own accord and maybe complete a successful journey. For 32-years, the organization allowed the CEO to drift. Few demands were made on the CEO and in fact, a few people were terminated along the way when they challenged the status quo.
In marking time, the benefits are akin to drifting at sea. In taking time, there is the decision to deliberately and mindfully weigh options, but then to mindfully act.
Our wish for you in 2026 is to be mindful in all things.