Leadership positions often come with the unspoken expectation of being "always on." Constant pressure and non-stop work may feel necessary, but they come at a cost. You might find yourself answering emails late at night, skipping meals to meet deadlines, or forgoing vacations to stay on top of things. However, this relentless pace is unsustainable in the long run. Just like a car running on an empty tank, you can only push yourself so far before something breaks down.
A good leader knows when to push forward, but a great leader knows when to pause. For example, think of a leader who takes a break to disconnect over the weekend. On Monday, they return with fresh ideas, renewed focus and an energy that uplifts their entire team. Compare that to the leader who works through the weekend, running on fumes and increasingly making decisions from a place of exhaustion rather than insight. Leaders who regularly take breaks often return with new ideas, clearer thinking and greater patience. The clarity from breaks benefits not only the leader but the entire team as well.
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