In the modern world of work, the pressure to deliver results swiftly can often lead to a compromise on the quality of our work. The paradox is that in our race to be efficient, we may actually be doing the opposite: producing lower-quality work and burning ourselves out. The key to reversing this trend? Slowing down. According to Nancy Kline’s groundbreaking work in “Time to Think,” taking time to think deeply can lead to more innovative solutions, better decision-making, and ultimately, higher productivity.
The Problem with Rushing: A Common Pitfall
In industries like law, accountancy, and healthcare, where precision and accuracy are non-negotiable, the temptation to rush can be particularly damaging. The sheer volume of work, coupled with tight deadlines, often leads professionals to prioritise speed over quality.
However, research from Kline’s “Time to Think” reveals that this approach can backfire. Rushing leads to cognitive overload, reduces creativity, and increases the likelihood of errors. The time spent correcting these mistakes or redoing work can quickly outweigh the initial time saved by rushing. In the end, the “fast” approach ends up being more time-consuming and costly.
The Science Behind Thinking Time
Kline’s research underscores the importance of creating a thinking environment, where individuals feel valued and listened to. In such an environment, people are encouraged to express their ideas without interruption, fostering creativity and innovation. This approach is particularly valuable in professional services and healthcare, where complex problems often require deep thinking and collaboration.
Kline’s work highlights that when we slow down to think, we engage different parts of our brain, leading to more comprehensive and effective problem-solving. This deliberate approach contrasts sharply with the fragmented thinking that often accompanies rushing.
Practical Steps to Implementing a Slower Approach
If you’re a manager looking to enhance productivity and work quality, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Schedule Regular Thinking Time: Allocate specific periods for deep thinking and reflection, both individually and as a team. This can be as simple as starting meetings with a few minutes of silent reflection or setting aside time each week for brainstorming sessions without immediate deadlines.
- Create a Thinking Environment: Encourage open dialogue and active listening within your team. Avoid interrupting during discussions and make it clear that all ideas are valued. This builds trust and fosters a culture of thoughtful consideration.
- Resist the Urge to Multitask: Focus on one task at a time, allowing your mind to fully engage with the problem at hand. Multitasking can fragment your thinking and reduce the quality of your work.
- Reflect on Your Workflow: Regularly review your processes and identify areas where rushing is compromising quality. Adjust timelines and expectations where necessary to allow for more thorough thinking and planning.
The next time you feel the pressure to rush through a task, remember that slowing down might just be the key to speeding up. By creating time to think, you can produce higher quality work, make better decisions, and ultimately, achieve greater success in your role.
Start today by introducing small changes to your workflow—schedule thinking time, cultivate a thoughtful work environment, and watch as your productivity and work quality soar.
How Impact Can Help:
Slowing down to enhance productivity is key to delivering impactful work. At Impact, we provide tailored support through our Wellbeing and Performance pillars, helping individuals and teams to reach their full potential.
Enquire here.
