4 reasons leaders need to slow down
Feeling like you never have enough time to slow down?
What does it look like for a leader to slow down?
Slowing down will help you in the long run. However, can you afford to slow down? When you see the benefits of slowing down, I think your question will change to, How can I not slow down?
1. Slowing down prevents leaders from burnout.
Burnout has become an epidemic with leaders. Because we push ourselves so much, we leave little margin for ourselves and our mental health. The lack of attention we pay to these areas of our lives often leads to burnout.
Slowing down allows us to step back and say no. Finding a place of health again is important. Protecting your mental health can protect you from burnout.
2. Slowing down allows leaders to become more creative.
Creativity requires a slower pace.
Slowing down allows a leader to clear their mind of responsibilities.
- Try setting aside those responsibilities aside for an hour each week.
- Use this time to slow down and calm your mind.
- Then begin to think about things that interest you. What makes you come alive? What have you always wanted to do but believed you couldn’t?
- Enjoy this time and use it to focus on the creative forces within you.
Slowing down and stretching creative muscles and could unlock ideas you can use in leadership.
3. Slowing down allows leaders to notice those they lead.
Leadership can be lonely. It requires difficult choices made in private that impact many. However, being a follower could be lonely as well.
A different pace lends itself to noticing your team. Try stopping by their desk and striking up a conversation.
Noticing and acknowledging team members will go a long way. They are longing to be noticed.
Instead of flying by desks into the next meeting, get to know them.
4. Slowing down allows leaders to make better decisions.
Sometimes we rush into a business partnership because we believe we have to do it now.
Slowing down will allow you the ability to make better decisions. Take the time to slow down and make sure you’re making the best decision in your current situation.
It’s not putting aside truly important actions that will move your business forward. And it’s not passing the buck to someone else.
Slowing down creates margin to breathe. There’s value in taking time to think through a current business process or an upcoming business decision. These things require time for looking at the variables and then making a wise decision.
Photo source: istock
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
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