☀️ Sometimes I practice what I preach!

I took a short break in Christchurch and Canterbury last week.

Autumn colours, fresh air, sunshine, mountains, grass, trees, coastline, small country towns, sheep, cattle, and art galleries — a chance to take a breath.

I was only away from work for a few days, but my energy completely shifted. Now back at my desk I have more enthusiasm, creativity, and clarity — picking up what I’d been working on with fresh eyes and ideas.

Different perspectives help us find new perspectives.

I know it’s hard to justify breaks when we’re busy. I often hear clients say:

“We just don’t have time to stop.”

“Rest and reflection won’t help us meet our deliverables.”

“It’s a luxury we can’t afford.”

But teams who constantly operate at full speed rarely deliver their best work - or think at their best, or make the best decisions, or innovate, or strengthen relationships.

Intentional perspective switching is a critical investment. But if time is short, it doesn’t need to be complicated.

💠 It can be as simple as working outside or talking a walk. 

💠 Choosing a space to work where customers, suppliers, or the wider system are visible. 

💠 Meeting in a different room,

💠 Removing tables from meeting rooms or switching where people sit in your usual space. 

Try it!

If you’d like more information on the importance of different perspectives, or you’d like to build perspective-switching techniques into your team’s routine, please get in touch.

PS Aotearoa New Zealand is a stunning place — I feel incredibly lucky to live here. ❤️