“You will never lead well when you’re empty” Unknown.
Why do you keep going on without taking time to refuel? As a leader/executive you manage multiple priorities all at the same time. You do an outstanding job of making it look easy but when you do not take a moment to reflect, recharge and reset you can become emotional and mentally out of balance. If your cell phone needs recharging, then why is it that you do not take the time to recharge. I know work is demanding and projects are due thus it does not seem like there is an opportunity to take a step back. If you are not intentionally taking steps back to recharge, then you set yourself up for becoming overloaded and you will eventually run out of physical gas.
Here are three ways you can ensure you take time to recharge.
Self-Care Priority (schedule): Leaders that prioritize self-care are setting themselves up for the long game. This is making sure they are able to manage their responsibilities and perform their duties at an outstanding level. When you take a step back it allows you time to reflect on what is happening with your organization or life. It is like half time of a sports game where you get the opportunity to assess what is going well and what areas you need to adjust. You can only assess when you step back. When you recharge your body, mind and inner soul as a leader refueling and pouring back what has been emptied out. The most important aspect is that self-care must be scheduled like you schedule any meeting you need to schedule your vacation time in advance. If it is scheduled and planned, then you are more likely to take the time. All this happens when you stop and pause, therefore you will become renewed.
Atmosphere: Your atmosphere is imperative. Why does the atmosphere matter? Because of the environment in today’s organizations or in general there are many moving parts and actions that take place. From virtual meetings to phone calls, to text messages, and people talking. If you can create a workplace/space where the atmosphere is solitude around, that will give you opportunities to think deeply as you move throughout your day in a nice rhythm and pace that is not hustle and bustle. For example, create an atmosphere in your office where you listen to concentration music which allows you to concentrate on your work. Personally, I listen to concentrate on music while working on projects. It allows me to concentrate for a period of time without interruptions. In addition, create a work rhythm schedule. If you are at your best in the morning, complete those tasks that require concentration such as reading reports, answering emails, reviewing data, and putting together a presentation. However, you can flip this schedule. Finally, you can disrupt your day. For example, after hours of concentrating on projects, meetings and emails disrupt your day. You could take a 10-minute walk, journal in your journal or take a 10-minute break with a colleague discussing things outside of work. These strategies will help you to take charge of your day.
Empower Others: If you are afraid to go on vacation or if you are not able to go on vacation then you have to ask yourself the question, why is this the case. There is a plethora of answers to this question, but the point is great leaders empower others to become leaders. When you put effort and focus on empowering and developing leaders then you are on the right track. If you are an insecure leader and you are too worried about who gets the accolades, and if you are afraid that someone else will receive recognition then your leadership skills and ability need fine tuning. On the contrary, highly effective leaders believe in empowering others and developing leaders thus they are comfortable with taking time to reflect, recharge, and reset. I concur with John Maxwell who stated, “Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others.”
In closing, take time to schedule self-care, be intentional in setting up your atmosphere and work schedule rhythm that will position you to optimize your strength and capabilities. The most important message is empowering others by developing leaders positions you take time to take off. If you reflect, recharge, and reset you are poised to be the version of your highest self and consequently as a leader.
If you need assistance or support as a leader, feel free to reach out to E3 Leadership Institute, (www.e3leadershipinstitute.com) we are here to serve you. Inspiring leaders to lead with purpose and passion!