17 The Critical Leadership Skill Of Pausing Before Responding

In that brief pause between what happens and how you react lies your greatest power. In this Box of Keys episode, Dr Gary Crotaz reflects on Viktor Frankl’s timeless insight — the space between stimulus and response. Discover how the best leaders use that moment to choose calm over reaction, clarity over impulse, and intention over instinct. A short, thoughtful reflection on emotional mastery and the freedom to lead from presence, not pressure. The Box of Keys is hosted by Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD — executive coach, speaker and award-winning author. From the creator of The Unlock Moment and Unlock Your Leadership, this show brings you bite-sized leadership lessons to maximise your leadership potential. Follow, subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts — and connect with Dr Gary on LinkedIn for more leadership insights. Part of The Unlock Moment podcast family.