This week, I experienced an unexpected change in my schedule. Selected for jury duty, I arrived at the courthouse early Monday morning, ready to fulfill my civic responsibility. However, I was dismissed almost immediately—8 of the 10 cases on the docket had settled, leaving no need for additional jurors.
Just like that, an entire week of blocked-off time returned to me. It was a gift, but also a challenge: how would I use it well?
As I reflected on this reclaimed time, I realized how often we treat unexpected free hours as something to “fill” rather than as a unique opportunity to refocus and realign. Too often, we get swept into the busyness of everyday tasks, thinking productivity is measured by the number of boxes we check. But when time is unexpectedly returned to us, it’s an invitation to pause and ask: How can I make this time count—not just for myself, but for the teams and communities I serve?
Here are a few ways I’ve learned to approach such moments, framed through the lens of leadership and intentional growth.
- Refocus on Priorities
When time unexpectedly opens up, it’s a chance to recalibrate. Start by revisiting your goals—both personal and organizational. What’s something meaningful that you’ve been putting off?
Sometimes, it’s a larger project requiring deep focus, like long-term strategy planning or creative visioning. Other times, it’s simpler: clarifying the next step in an initiative or addressing an overlooked priority. Unexpected time also highlights imbalances—perhaps personal commitments, like family or health, need renewed attention.
This week, I set aside a few hours to strategize for a long-term project that had been pushed down my to-do list. Not only did I make meaningful progress, but I also felt a renewed sense of purpose—a clarity about how this effort ties into the bigger picture.
Leadership Lens: Encourage your team to think beyond the “busy work.” What could they achieve if they paused to refocus?
- Practice Gratitude
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have, and when it’s unexpectedly returned, it’s a gift. Pausing to appreciate the freedom to choose how to spend it reminds us to value all our time—not just the unexpected bonuses.
Gratitude transforms how we view our days, turning an “empty slot” on the calendar into an opportunity. For me, this week served as a reminder to slow down and recognize the people, tools, and resources that make meaningful work possible.
Leadership Lens: Gratitude is contagious. When leaders express it—whether through a simple “thank you” or by recognizing someone’s effort—it shapes an organizational culture where time and contributions are respected.
- Extend the Gift
One of the most rewarding ways to use reclaimed time is to invest it in others. That doesn’t always mean adding more meetings or calls—it means approaching every interaction with greater intention.
This week, I asked myself before every conversation: What do I hope this achieves? How can I ensure this time serves everyone involved? Whether it was a team huddle or a one-on-one, I focused on listening more deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and making the most of these interactions.
Leadership Lens: Leaders who intentionally “extend the gift” of meaningful time foster stronger connections and shared purpose within their teams.
Conclusion: Time as a Leadership Tool
Jury duty didn’t go as planned, but it reminded me of an important truth: time is precious, whether meticulously scheduled or unexpectedly free. The key is to be intentional with how we use it—aligning our actions with our values and vision.
As leaders, how we approach time sends a message to those around us. Do we see it as a resource to be maximized or as an opportunity to create impact?
What about you? The next time you find yourself with “bonus time,” how will you use it to refocus, express gratitude, and build deeper connections?
