Many of the leaders I talk to are on the verge of burnout. They work all day, all the time. Their mind is constantly on work matters. Many go home for a dinner break and to spend some time with the kids, only to get back on the computer once the kids are in bed. Likewise, we all know people who pride themselves on never taking vacations, or who simply think they don’t have time for one.

WHAT “STRIVING NEUTRAL” MEANS

This pattern of action deprives leaders of a chance to be more successful, effective, and innovative in their role. This is because they are missing what some leadership thought leaders call “striving neutral”: that vital resting pattern that allows us to restore our physical bodies and creative juices. 

We have all had those moments when we find the best solutions to thorny issues while doing something else, perhaps working out, taking a walk, or showering (the last one works great for me!). This is not by chance.

Stepping away from trying to solve a problem and getting into that “striving neutral” mode where we are resting, relaxing, and unwinding allows those new ideas to pop into our minds. The trick lies in giving ourselves enough opportunities to have these moments.

USING INTENTIONAL BREAKS IN LEADERSHIP

In The Power of Full Engagement, authors Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr talk about managing our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. Tony explains that he used the power of intentional work breaks and wrote the book in two-hour increments each day, pausing to work out or go for a walk. The result? He got it done faster than any of his previous books.

I know, I know… We can’t all take a break every two hours when working for others. Most leaders don’t have that luxury.

However, you can still make time for some R&R at the end of every day, go on vacation, or take a few days off, even if it’s just to stay home.

When you do that, you detach from the fast pace of your workdays when you always have to be “on your game” for everyone around you. You stop actively solving problems and get the opportunity to truly rest. 

CAN YOU REALLY STEP AWAY?

I can already hear the objections rising in the busy leaders’ minds.

What if my team can’t get on without me?

To that I say: wake up and take a hard, honest look at your leadership patterns. Are you micromanaging your team and being so hands-on that they can’t move forward without your input and stamp of approval? If so, you are limiting the team’s development and the possible outcomes of the work. 

Ok…but what if there are key issues that DO need my input? 

Easy: before you go on vacation, talk to your boss and direct reports about what items will need your attention. Make sure those items include only extraordinary issues, not normal day-to-day tasks or projects.

Consider your “work patterns”, both daily and throughout the year:

• Are you giving yourself the chance to take breaks?
• Are your breaks giving you proper “neutral time” to recover from the fast pace and demands of your job? 
• If not, where can you make adjustments? 
• Are the objections you are raising against your ability to take a break valid, or do they point to areas you need to address in terms of how you are leading your team? If it’s the latter, let’s have a chat. 

Remember, not taking those breaks may hurt you and your organization more than helping. Once you go back to work, you will bring fresh energy that will benefit everyone around you.