Have burnt quite a few hours already  today doomscrolling the newsfeeds, hooked on the self-immolation of the leaders (yes. Wrong label. But there you go) of the UK as they go about unpicking the economy, democracy, their own self respect in the desperate attempt to stay ‘in charge’. 

Making business decisions when you’re in crisis is really bad. Of course, sometimes it’s necessary. But it made me stop and think about how we end up running headlong into a crisis that a moment’s reflection (well, more than a moment. Maybe a few days. At least) might have helped avoid. 

I can’t think of a situation recently that wouldn’t have benefitted from a pause for reflection. For the strength of character to say ‘let’s think on that for a few days.’

Because if we’re honest, weeks can pass between departments, from one deciding on a thing and it meeting the real world of the dissatisfaction, disappointment and denouement of others. 

In the ‘what we’re you thinking’ of reworking that comes after, where do you end up? Most likely back were you were, at least a month ago, but with the same deadlines. 

The benefit of reflection - probably one of the under-valued and most overlooked skills or activities in business - needs all our help. 

If you needed convincing, buy a copy of Delayed Gratification. Full disclosure - I’m only a subscriber. But there’s something rather lovely about reading the news three months ago. As the publisher says “…after the dust has settled to tell the stories others have missed - or mistold.”

Amazing magazine design as well.