With the festive season upon us, firstly, thank you for all your incredible work over the year.
Secondly, I wanted to give you a nudge to remind you that this time is an excellent opportunity for you as a leader to take a step back, introspect and plan. The time away from the daily grind can be invaluable for you to grow personally and professionally.
Here are a few ways I think you could do that:
Embrace Solitude for Clarity: Sometimes, you can feel so consumed with your role that it has become your identity. How about you take a step back from the constant demands of your position to find a quiet moment? Solitude doesn’t have to be about being alone or feeling lonely; it’s a chance to focus inward, away from all the external distractions. Use the time for deep thinking, which can aid in clearer decision-making, reduce stress, and foster creativity. It could be a quiet walk, sitting peacefully, or meditating; these moments of solitude can be powerful for you as a leader and a way of refocusing your mindset for the future.
Find Rejuvenation: As a leader, you can get swept up in a whirlwind of responsibilities. How about doing some stuff that doesn’t involve work? Engage in different activities, which can be crucial for mental and emotional rejuvenation. That could be picking up a book, indulging in a hobby, spending overdue time with family and friends, or travelling for pleasure. All these activities can significantly refresh your mind, as they offer a new perspective and can ignite creative ideas that you can apply in your professional life. Doing something different also reduces the risk of burnout, ensuring you return to your role more energised and focused.
Seek Feedback and Reflect for Growth: This time of year can also be an ideal time for reflection (although I suggest any time is a good time for reflection). Look back on your achievements and challenges. When you feel physically and emotionally ready, seek feedback from those you trust, including your team; remember though, they need a break, too. This feedback can provide valuable insights.
Reflect on what went well and what you need to improve so you can learn from those experiences and plan to apply those lessons moving forward. This reflection and feedback process should be fundamental to your continuous growth and improvement as a leader.
The End: Use this golden opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge those batteries.
This reflection period benefits your well-being and can prove instrumental in shaping more insightful, inspired, and empathetic leadership (this is an article for another day).
Have a great break!