As we all know, leadership can be exhilarating as well as challenging. One thing it is not: boring!
And such a wide spectrum of experiences, challenges, joys and sorrows that come with leadership – and the emotions generated at each juncture – can wear down even the most robust personality. Therefore, it can be a good discipline for those in leadership to “pull the plug” from time to time.
Here are some ideas on what that can look like:
Get away - from common surroundings – finding a new location, climate, and/or people can stimulate new thinking and ideas
Unplug – every cell phone, tablet, pager, and computer comes with an on-off switch. It can be helpful to take time away from the “norm” and turn all the switches to the “off” position
Go alone – or with a few. Leadership demands are essentially caused by people; therefore it can be refreshing to take time away alone, or at least with one (or a few) close family or friends
Read – It can be mentally invigorating to read a book that is outside the normal topic(s) of one’s professional discipline(s). Doing so can expand creativity and stimulate new ideas that can be cross-pollinated into our own field(s) of endeavor
Travel - to a different culture. If time and resources allow, being immersed in a different country and/or culture can be mind and soul-expanding. Much can result from being in a setting that is radically different than our own
The point of all of these ideas is to encourage us to stay fresh; to find moments to rest, to pause, and to reflect. Vitality in leadership is essential. Sometimes the best way to lead - is to stop leading – at least for a while.
What works for you?