Re-Energize
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

As leaders, we are expected to always be “on.” This is a challenging task to accomplish and yet, we know we owe it to our teams and organizations to be at our best. Given the stresses and challenges that accompany any leadership role, we must create a rhythm that allows us to continue to excel. How do we do that?

I learned that a leader needs to plan and execute times to re-energize. The holidays can be that time of year when we commit to this vital discipline. We must be as committed to rest and recovery as we are to execution and outcomes. If not, we will burn out – and it will show in our performance and the performance of others. Leadership is demonstrated, and our teams do what they see. If we are stressed, our team will be stressed, too. If we do not set aside time to rest and re-energize, our team will feel compelled to do the same. This sets up our teams for eventual failure.

Rest and recovery are the hallmarks of extraordinary performers at all organizations and all levels, but it does not “just happen.” It’s a part of the routine of great athletes, coaches, and leaders, however, this part of leadership learning may get the least attention. How often have you heard a talk by a great performer on how they rested? Rarely. We have heard countless ways about how a leader does almost every other task, but rest is not discussed frequently. Why is that?

I am convinced it is because it can be seen as a “weakness” by some. Our culture emphasizes outcomes. Rest and recovery are not often viewed as a necessary lead indicator to sustainable achievement – but they most certainly are. Therefore, we as leaders must build a recovery regimen that we execute daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. We must also encourage our teams to do the same thing. Such an emphasis will result in happier, healthier, more sustainable organizations.

You receive this message the day after Thanksgiving – one of my favorite holidays. I have spent the last few days with family, doing what I love. It is a part of my recovery effort. Holidays, vacations, daily rituals, weekly reviews, and monthly planning are what I must do to sustain my ability to lead and (with the help of others) attain ever-increasing and demanding outcomes.

So, what are you doing to rest and recover? Do you have rituals to re-energize based on your challenges and opportunities? Do you encourage others to develop routines that allow them to give their best through thoughtful recovery? If not, maybe it’s time to start.

I certainly hope you get some time to enjoy your holidays. Enjoy your rest and recovery. It is what gives your leadership abilities the best opportunity to shine!