Unlock the Secret to Team Success: How to Pause, Let Go, and Unlock Deeper Wisdom
Carson V. Heady
Best-Selling Author | Managing Director, Americas - Microsoft Tech for Social Impact | Podcast Host | Sales Hall of Fame
Unlocking Team Wisdom: Episode 64 of the Connected Teamwork Podcast with Hylke Faber and Carson Heady
In Episode 64 of the Connected Teamwork Podcast, Hylke Faber and Carson V. Heady explore the third practice in the team connectedness series: Pause, Let Go, and Welcome Deeper Wisdom.
This conversation delves deep into the intricacies of modern teamwork, offering both practical tools and philosophical insights that help leaders and teams thrive.
The Core Principle: Pause, Let Go, and Welcome Deeper Wisdom
At the heart of this episode is a simple yet profound idea: To unlock deeper levels of team intelligence, we must cultivate the ability to pause, release attachments, and create space for wisdom to emerge. This practice is not just about productivity or efficiency but about fostering authentic connections—with ourselves, our teams, and our shared purpose.
Hylke sets the stage by explaining why this principle follows the foundational practices of self-care and continuous growth. He emphasizes that letting go requires a baseline of physical and mental readiness. “Once we’ve taken care of ourselves,” Hylke notes, “we’re more prepared to pause and embrace the wisdom that arises from within.”
Why Pause Matters
Carson shares his perspective on the importance of pausing, describing it as “a balcony view”—a chance to step back and gain clarity. He illustrates this with examples from his own life, including moments of professional decision-making and personal growth. Without pausing, Carson explains, we risk being consumed by the minutiae and chaos of daily life, losing sight of the broader perspective.
Hylke builds on this, emphasizing that pausing isn’t about inactivity; it’s about creating the mental and emotional space to reset. He recounts her own practice of taking intentional breaks, even during busy days, to realign with her purpose.
The Power of Letting Go
The discussion then shifts to the concept of letting go. Hylke explains that our primary attachments often fall into three categories:
These attachments, he says, can limit our thinking and cloud our decision-making. Letting go doesn’t mean abandoning goals or relationships but rather releasing the rigid expectations that often accompany them. “When we let go,” Hylke observes, “we free our minds to focus on what is truly needed in the moment.”
Carson shares a personal anecdote about navigating professional pressures. By shifting his focus from rigid outcomes to broader intentions, he found greater clarity and effectiveness. “When you stop fixating on the end result,” he notes, “you open yourself to the steps and opportunities that lead you there.”
Welcoming Deeper Wisdom
The final component of the practice—welcoming wisdom—is perhaps the most transformative. Hylke underscores the importance of creating space for insights to emerge rather than forcing solutions. He compares this to receiving a gift: It requires patience, openness, and a willingness to trust the process.
Carson reflects on how this principle has shaped his leadership style. He highlights the role of curiosity and vulnerability in fostering authentic connections with his team. “When you’re honest about your own challenges and uncertainties,” he explains, “you create a safe space for others to do the same. That’s where real wisdom and collaboration happen.”
Practical Applications
Throughout the episode, both hosts provide actionable advice for incorporating these principles into daily life:
Attachments vs. Intentions
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is the distinction between attachments and intentions. Hylke and Carson explain that attachments are often tied to external outcomes, while intentions stem from internal values. By shifting from attachment to intention, we can approach challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Carson shares a mantra that encapsulates this mindset: “Focus on people and processes, not quotas or goals.” By prioritizing relationships and systems, he has consistently achieved success without becoming consumed by external pressures.
The Broader Implications
The insights from this episode extend beyond the workplace. Hylke's reflections on letting go of stress and Carson’s anecdotes about family dynamics demonstrate how these principles can transform personal relationships as well.
Hylke encourages listeners to view life as a continuous process of tuning and re-tuning. “It’s not about never being out of tune,” he says, “but about recognizing when you are and making the choice to adjust.”
Final Reflections
As the episode concludes, Hylke and Carson invite listeners to reflect on their own attachments and intentions. They emphasize that the journey toward connectedness is ongoing and deeply personal. By practicing pause, letting go, and welcoming wisdom, we can unlock not only our own potential but also the collective intelligence of our teams.
In Carson’s words, “The impact we leave on others—how we make them feel, how we inspire them—is the true measure of success.”
Join the Conversation What attachments are you ready to let go of? How can you align more deeply with your intentions? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more transformative insights from the Connected Teamwork Podcast.
#Teamwork #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulnessAtWork #PersonalGrowth #IntentionalLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWellbeing #GrowthMindset