Making Space – third instalment in the ‘Multi-Storey Thinking’ Series

Thoughts and Images - Natalie Shering

The carpark really was truly empty now. The very last of the pro-level retail therapy afficionados had had their fill, and the final, panicky, last-minute dashers had smashed and grabbed and gone.  Evening was quickly drawing in, and I was alone. 

As I continued my wanderings and my wonderings, I was struck by the spaces opening up before me – both literal and conceptual.  The photo here documents some of the empty, oblong carparking spots; regular and regimented, their clean lines and crisp angles in satisfying grid-formation, a view no longer obstructed by heavy metal gas-guzzlers. The expansive hollowness of the carpark shell gave a different sense of space; ever-changing, with it’s shapes and shadows constantly in flux as the daylight dwindled and the neon buzzed into life. And most expansive of all, there was the physical and mental space that I had created here for myself; this quiet, reflective time, enabling me to notice, and to respond. 

My previous multi-storey musings had firstly been about how we might set our direction at the beginning of this New Year, and then about taking time to notice the signs when we come to a metaphorical junction, before deciding upon the best approach for our onward travels.  Now these thoughts, and the visual metaphors all around me, were leading me to reflect upon the importance of ‘making space’ - and particularly, the importance of allowing ourselves and others, access to physical, mental, spiritual space, in order that we might make good decisions.  

In our everyday worlds – and particularly in the world of work - giving ourselves and others space to think and grow isn’t always seen as a priority. I remember the time when, working as part of a corporate team, it was almost seen as a badge of honour to be ‘‘back-to-back’’ in meetings all day. If any one of us had taken the time to sit in contemplation at our desks, staring into the far distance perhaps, or eyes closed in deep meditation, more than a few eyebrows would have been raised, and questions asked about the nature of our commitment to the job in hand. The culture of ‘busy = productive’ is pervasive and can be difficult to resist.   

As Leaders, we cannot be at our best, or give of our best, if we are ‘topped out’ and have no available capacity. Choosing to prioritise and protect time for ourselves in order that we might notice and respond to our environment and the people around us isn't always easy. Although it may at times feel like an act of courage to say ‘no’, instead of saying ‘yes’ when presented with the opportunity of getting involved, it may nevertheless pay dividends if that refusal allows us to instead create space for ourselves to reflect, and space for others to grow – and to expand their own Leadership abilities. 

Looking with ‘’back-to-back’’ eyes at the metaphor presented by the image of the pristine carparking spaces, we could choose to imbue the grid with negative connotations of emptiness; of nothingness, the void being devoid of any value. Alternatively, if we open our hearts and minds to recognise the value in making space, for ourselves and for others, we can see the oblongs there as being brim-full of potential.  What possibilities do those spaces allow for? How many cars and how many passengers could fit inside, and what novelty, what diversity might they bring with them? If others are empowered to grow into these spaces, what opportunities might be presented for everyone?  

Next week is the final instalment of this series - ‘Multi-Storey Thinking: Get Into The Groove’