“I pursue and revere open windows of time largely because of how elusive I find them. I need them every day. And so do you.” Author Juliet Funt clearly outlines her intentions in the just published book ‘A minute to think: Reclaim creativity, conquer busyness, and do your best work’ (2021, Harper Business). Funt is a consultant to many of the world’s largest companies, and in this book addresses the monster is most executives’ lives – no time to think.
The premise is for us to find white space in our lives – that is, ‘freed time in the day to think (and breathe, and ponder, and plan, and create).’ What is particularly good with this book is that not only are the key concepts clear and easy to relate to, but it also provides tools to help deal with timewasters, decision making processed and interruptions – including emails.
Funt identifies four main thieves that steal out time and suggests key questions to ask to learn how to reclaim our lives from the thieves of Drive, Excellence, Information and Activity. All good things in and of themselves, but they can equally be guilty of stealing time and attention from allowing us to be truly effective.
This is an excellent book for anyone that feels they are losing control and want to regain it, but it is an even better book for those that think they have it all together – you will be surprised what this book can offer. The author encourages readers to embark on the journey in pairs or as work teams, and that is an excellent suggestion because it will assist in the culture change organisations need.
A highly recommended book.