When I visited Alaska, one of the things that fascinated me is how people are drawn to “The Last Frontier” in search of solitude. Somewhere to get away from it all.

While riding the train from Anchorage to Denali, our guide pointed out tiny huts along the way that were actually permanent homes. The only access was via the train and an indistinguishable pathway to the door.

That spurred me to remember a speech delivered by William Deresiewicz to the plebe (first year) class at West Point. It’s called Solitude and Leadership. The speech is lengthy, but definitely worth the read. Here are some highlights.

That great leaders need solitude generates an interesting paradox. After all, leadership is about being with and guiding people. There is, however, a very strong correlation between self-awareness and highly effective leadership. But it can be tough to develop and practice self-awareness in an increasingly noisy world. In our 24/7 techno-connected, multi-tasking lives, solitude can be a challenge to cultivate.

In his speech, Deresiewicz shares why it’s so important for leaders to make time for solitude. He emphasizes that successful leaders must learn to think for and with themselves. He asserts:

“Thinking means concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it. Not learning other people’s ideas, or memorizing a body of information, however much those may sometimes be useful. Developing your own ideas.  In short, thinking for yourself."

Here are four ways Deresiewicz recommends spending times of solitude:

Introspection
Introspection is the process of observing and reflecting on one’s own thoughts, feelings, processes and motivations. What makes introspection important? From expansive organizational decisions to responding to a disgruntled staff member, as a human being, you make decisions based on the patterns developed throughout your life. Introspection allows you to reflect on the patterns that serve you well and discern patterns you may want to change.

Concentration on a task
If you’re a fan of the television show NCIS, you'll recall that when the lead character Gibbs wants to do some concentrated thinking, he works on the boat he is building in his basement. And while I often wonder how he will get the finished boat out of the basement, that isn’t really the point.

Deresiewicz quotes from the novel The Heart of Darkness as the main character spends time repairing a boat.

“I don’t like work — no man does — but I like what is in the work, the chance to find yourself. Your own reality — for yourself, not for others — what no other man can ever know.”

As Deresiewicz points out, in today’s world, social media doesn’t help us find ourselves. It drowns out the ability to do so.

Sustained reading
Reading books, particularly classics, exposes you to those who have wrestled with an idea or a thought, likely in solitude. The idea is not to simply accept what you're reading as truth, but to reflect on it, wrestle with it yourself, and form your own point of view. In solitude, you create the space for books to inform you and shape who you are.

Intimate conversation
Deresiewicz points out that, contrary to what you might think, expressing yourself in intimate conversation is a form of solitude. It’s a way to hear yourself say what you think, what you believe, and what you feel. A way to discover yourself in a dialogue. A dialogue with someone you really know and trust. One intimate conversation is like a nourishing meal in contrast to the non-nutritional fast food of social media.

Let me remind you that Deresiewicz is speaking to future US military leaders. It may seem counter-intuitive to suggest that they spend time in solitude to develop the ability to think for themselves.

It is, however, what you want from the leaders around you, isn’t it? And for yourself. Whether in the global economy or your own backyard, competition is fierce. Many organizations don’t make it.

Having leaders who can think critically and don’t simply react from old patterns requires space for thoughtful reflection. Solitude and leadership aren’t mutually exclusive. They are inextricably connected.

How will you include solitude in your busy schedule? I’d be delighted to work with you to brainstorm ideas and help you develop a plan. Click here to schedule a complimentary 30 minute conversation.

Passionate Leadership
is who you're being as you're leading.

About the Author

Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and founder of Total Life Leadership. At Total Life Leadership, we partner with purpose-driven non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them answer the question “How Do I Become a Better Leader?”

Using The Six Pillars of Passionate Leadership, we equip leaders to be the best they can be.  The result is a passionate leader whose team and organization are operating for maximum impact.

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