a period of reflection during which one is removed from the normal hubbub of typical work activity, as if one has left a metaphorical dance floor and ascended the adjoining staircase to view the entire group of dancers; balcony time refers to the need to periodically remove oneself from small-scale tasks, such as dancing to a particular song, to focus on the overall mood of the party and ensure that all participants are appropriately engaged; more generically, used to ensure the big picture is not lost in the details; derives from a popular academic management metaphor of the balcony and dance floor; see also view from 30,000 feet