 In their book, Centered Leadership, Leading with Purpose, Clarity and Impact, Joanna Barsh and Joanne LaVoy shed light on the value of taking time to center yourself by reflecting on the purposes and motivations of your work. They remind us to stay connected with our reasons for doing the work we do, as well as the people we lead and serve. Additionally, Janice Martirano writes, purposeful pauses allow us to be more fully present and that presence is felt by those around us. It feels like respect, true collaboration and caring. When we are present and centered, we are more productive ourselves and others can rely on us in ways that builds trust and optimizes performance. In practice, purposeful pauses can be as simply as taking an extra deep breath while filling up your water bottle or intentionally pausing for five to 10 seconds before turning on your computer in the morning. Who in your environment will you ask to hold you accountable to practice taking purposeful pauses? You and your team will benefit from your efforts to center yourself momentarily in ways that enhance a healthy, productive leadership climate. Lead well this week.