Response Time

And the importance of conversations

There is something powerful and visceral around the notion of the “stimulus-response gap” and the nature of that gap.

I think the gap matters.

The gap between stimulus and response is a place for conversations, whether they are with ourselves or others. Some use it for thinking, others for seeking permission.

The gap can be filled with processes, protocols and other filters, from health and safety to the comfort levels of the hierarchy, with responses that favour “proven solutions” that worked for someone else at a different time, in a different place, in very different circumstances rather than new ideas that mean taking responsibility.

I will return to this point at a later date in a longer post, but for now would like to draw your attention to the importance of conversations as the engine room of change in volatile times.

We’re starting a stream of conversations at 5:00 pm UK today for paid subscribers to this Substack to share what we’re seeing “out there” and our ideas for responding to them.

When it came to the Titanic, the Iceberg didn’t care about protocols. Everybody on board was having a great time, the Captain's attention was diverted, and the stimulus-response gap was just too great.

Conversations at the right time, with the right people, in the right settings generate awareness and ideas and the time to do something with them.

The Zoom link is below. I look forward to seeing you.