The skill that is not-doing

Gregor: It would be nice to do something.

Sam: We are doing something. We’re sitting here, waiting.

Ronin (1998)

It’s compellingly easy, even invisible, to stay in the loop of doing. Are you working with code? There’s no end of open tickets needing your attention. Are you supporting a team? Get another set of meetings in there! Are you managing a project? If you’re not syncing with stakeholders or delivery, you can go write documentation!

The thing is: sometimes, the best use of your time, the most effective action, is to do nothing. To sit, wait, and let the system that you’ve put into motion move without your intervention. To not mess with what’s working, and to make time and space for your team to figure things out for themselves.

When we’re accustomed-nay, addicted-to continuously doing, this can be jarring. It feels like you’re at the very least not pulling your weight.

Coping with these feelings, and doing–or rather, not-doing–the right thing, then, becomes the work.