But it’s pretty obvious, really, that busy is not the ultimate metric here. It’s not the end game. After all, sheer quantity of work is not the aim. Rather, I’m searching for depth. And originality. [...]

What I’m questing after, instead, is an idea with power. That new framework that helps us see a relationship we’d previously missed. The essay

... See more

David Leonhardt of the New York Times recently wrote about former Secretary of State George Shultz, who carved out time to sit and wonder:

His hour of solitude was the only way he could find time to think about the strategic aspects of his job. Otherwise, he would be constantly pulled into moment-to-moment tactical issues, never able to focus on

... See more

Thirty-eight percent of jobs are now designated as “managers, officials, and professionals.” These are decision-making jobs. Another 41% are service jobs that often rely on your thoughts as much as your actions.

So many of these employees will do better work if they are given time to think, learn, ponder, discuss, and let their minds roam. But they

... See more