Curiosity in Motion, Time as Currency: Reflections for Graduates and Business Leaders

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During this time of year, my children eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer break, while others experience relief and joy as they approach graduation. As we gather to witness these momentous occasions, we find ourselves immersed in the excitement of one chapter coming to a close and another about to unfold. Amidst the celebrations, there exists a brief pause—a moment for contemplation—as we absorb platitudes about success, goal setting, and the intricacies of life.

In 2016, Dean James Ryan of the Harvard Graduate School of Education delivered a graduation speech that deeply resonated with me. The impact was so profound that he eventually transformed his speech into a book. Here's the speech:

Dean Ryan emphasizes the value of inquiry over advocacy. He presents five

essential questions that he believes are crucial:

1. Wait, what? This question, often posed by teenagers, encourages seeking clarification before drawing conclusions or making decisions. The inclusion of "wait" underscores the importance of slowing down.

2. I wonder why / I wonder if? These questions foster curiosity about the world and prompt us to consider how we can contribute to its improvement.

3. Couldn't we at least? This question serves as a means to overcome obstacles and initiate action, offering a way to become unstuck or get started.

4. How can I help? Ryan emphasizes that the manner in which we offer assistance matters as much as the act itself. Asking "how" reflects humility and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact.

5. What truly matters (to me)? This question delves into the core of our values, beliefs, and convictions, helping us prioritize what is genuinely important.

Additionally, Dean Ryan poses a bonus question: "And did you get what you wanted out of life, even so?"

This speech connects with my own values of curiosity and understanding. It reflects the way I work, and I have a feeling that any of my clients reading this are chuckling right now, considering how frequently these questions are interwoven into the fabric of our conversations.

What seems to occupy the thoughts of many individuals, including myself, is the notion of time. Time is the ultimate currency we possess, and I firmly believe that the true measure of success lies in living a fulfilling life.

And yet we give it away so freely, until we no longer have it to give. It is the irreplaceable resource that shapes our existence and molds the trajectory of our journeys.

And my ‘graduation speech for today,’ in the spirit of Ryan’s words, are five essential questions about time that can shape our perspective and approach towards it:

1. If it's not a heck yes, it's a heck no. This question prompts us to evaluate the choices we make with our time. By considering whether a particular opportunity, commitment, or endeavor truly excites and aligns with our passions and values, we can prioritize and invest our time in pursuits that genuinely inspire us. Embrace the power of saying no. And if that’s a challenge, start with ‘Let me think about it’ before responding with a yes.
2. I get to rather than I have to. This question helps shift our mindset from a place of obligation to one of gratitude and empowerment. Instead of perceiving our daily responsibilities as burdens, we can reframe them as opportunities. By recognizing that we have the privilege to engage in various activities and experiences, we can approach them with a sense of appreciation and enthusiasm. While it may not always be easy, especially when faced with “getting to clean up messes," taking a moment to reflect on the significance of the little boy responsible for the mess can provide valuable perspective. It serves as a reminder that one day, he will grow into a man who likely won't recall the incident of painting the carpet.
3. Am I making time for what brings me joy and rejuvenation? This question encourages us to prioritize self-care and activities that nourish our well-being. By consciously carving out time for hobbies, rest, and activities that bring us joy, we can maintain a healthy balance and recharge ourselves, ultimately enhancing our productivity and overall satisfaction.
4. Am I avoiding the 'busy' trap? This question challenges us to move away from the common response of "busy" when asked how we’re doing. It reminds us that we all have the same 24 hours in a day and encourages us to evaluate whether we are using our time intentionally and effectively, rather than being caught up in a constant state of busyness.
5. Am I nurturing meaningful connections and relationships? When was the last time I reached out to a friend with a heartfelt message, saying 'hello, you're on my mind' or suggesting a 15-minute catch-up call? Have I recently taken my child on a special date, letting them choose the activities for the evening? When was the last time I sat down to write a card, expressing genuine care and appreciation?

In the rush of our lives, it's easy to overlook the preciousness of time. We are swept up in the excitement of what’s next, the pursuit of success, and the demands of our daily routines. Yet, amidst the chaos, we find ourselves pausing to reflect, seek meaning, and contemplate the impact we want to make.

As business leaders, let us embrace these principles and become architects of our own time, weaving a tapestry of purpose, fulfillment, and genuine human connections within our organizations.

It is up to us to create a culture that values clarity and focus, where the power of saying "no" is celebrated and decisions are guided by a resounding "heck yes." By shifting our mindset from obligation to gratitude, we can inspire our teams to see every task as an opportunity for growth and contribution, energizing them to bring their best selves to the table. Let us carve out moments of rejuvenation and joy, recognizing that investing in our well-being ultimately fuels productivity and innovation. let us resist the allure of busyness, allocating our time to strategic priorities and nurturing relationships that fuel organizational success. The time for intentional leadership is now.

Ultimately, this will lead us back to Ryan’s bonus question: "And did you get what you wanted out of life, even so?" My hope for us is that we all give that a big, smiling ‘Heck Yes.’

LoyaltyCraft was built out of a passion for helping companies create meaningful customer experiences. Founded in 2016 by Lauren Feehrer CCXP, we focus on strategy, qualitative research, customer design, and employee engagement to help mid-market companies open the door to new customers and keep existing ones from leaving out the backdoor.