Recharge, refresh, Rejuvenate, restore

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I am blessed to work with some of the finest leaders in America. These presidents, vice- presidents, CEOs, doctors, surgeons, lawyers, deans are completely dedicated to being transformative leaders. They are the "up early, to bed late" types that know the importance of leading by example. And yet, it is often that desire to lead by example that jams them up at times. I know this firsthand because it has happened to me throughout my career and still does.

Transformative leaders will often put other priorities into the background so that they can focus on the important work their organization needs from them--even when those "other" priorities include their own health and protection. Taking a day or a week off just seems too big a price to pay and there is work to be done.

Yet these same leaders recognize that they must be on their "A" game every day if their organization is to thrive. And there is the problem. You can't pour from an empty cup. When we take time away to recharge and rejuvenate, it is not a selfish act. The entire organization benefits.

In the perfect world, our energy levels would look like this:

We start with a full charge and our energy dissipates over time. We then fully recharge and the cycle repeats itself. This gets us back to a full charge-- our "A" game-- every time.

In reality, our energy levels often look more like this:

The incomplete charge does not allow us to return to our "A" game level and eventually, we burn out or flatline.

Which leader would you rather have? The one in figure A, or the one in figure B?

You see, it is not a selfish act when we take time away to recharge and rejuvenate. It is a wise act--even a gracious one-- for the entire organization.

I often ask leaders to name three things that truly recharge them. The answers vary from gardening to deep sleep to time in nature to reading and so many more. Then I ask them to schedule these three things into their calendar over the next week.

The difference is remarkable.

What three things recharge you? What would happen if you took 20 minutes from the middle of your day for a walk in the sunshine, to read a chapter of your book, to have an "espresso nap" (write me and I'll explain-- it works!)

Name your three things. Schedule them on your calendar. Tell me how it went.

If you are feeling fully depleted, what can you do to fully recharge? Several leaders have told me a weeklong vacation is the answer. Others have told me they get the greatest rest when they leave the country and it is harder to reach them. Some just get away to a mountain retreat. What will it take for you?

There are myriad ways our energy is depleted. How do we recharge, refresh, rejuvenate, and restore?

Name your three things. Schedule them on your calendar. Tell me how it went.