Effective leadership: The power of detachment for well-being and success
Image by drazenphoto via Envato Elements
As leaders, we often find ourselves caught in the never-ending work cycle — constantly checking emails, strategising, and thinking about the next steps. But is this 'always-on' approach beneficial? Recent research from Harvard Business Review suggests otherwise.
Let's dive into the intricacies of this issue and its personal challenges and discover the path to more effective leadership.
The challenge - The 'always-on' leader
Image by bernardbodo via Envato Elements
Leadership comes with its set of challenges — high expectations, decision-making, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. Many leaders, including myself, have fallen into the trap of believing that constant engagement with work is synonymous with productivity and success.
This lifestyle leads to working long hours, sacrificing weekends, and forgoing personal time.
The revelation - Detachment is key
Image by CarlosBarquero via Envato Elements
The article "Want to Be a Better Leader? Stop Thinking About Work After Hours" sheds light on a counterintuitive strategy — detachment. The study conducted over ten days involving leaders and their direct reports illustrates that mental detachment from work after hours leads to more recharged, effective, and positively perceived leaders.
Leaders who disconnect report feeling more energised, exhibit a stronger leadership identity and are viewed as more transformational by their teams.
Understanding the pitfalls
Image by Queenmoonlite via Envato Elements
- Mental depletion - Continuous work thoughts drain mental resources, leaving leaders feeling exhausted and less effective the next day.
- Poor role identification - Leaders who fail to disconnect struggle to embrace and perform in their leadership role fully.
- Negative team perception - Employees perceive leaders who don't detach as less transformational and powerful.
The power of recovery
Image by yavdat via Envato Elements
The research highlights the importance of off-work recovery for leaders. Recovery isn't just about rest but mental disengagement and rejuvenation. This involves:
- Mastering new hobbies - Engage in activities unrelated to work to refresh your mind.
- Setting boundaries - Clearly define work hours and communicate these to your team.
- Prioritising rest - Ensure you have dedicated time for relaxation and personal interests.
Recommendations for leaders
Image by amenic181 via Envato Elements
To transform these insights into action, consider the following:
- Schedule 'Off-Work' time - Treat your personal time with the same respect as your work appointments.
- Communicate boundaries - Set clear expectations regarding availability and emergency protocols with your team.
- Diversify interests - Encourage a life outside work by pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in community service.
- Seek support - Don't hesitate to reach out to mentors, coaches, or peers to share experiences and strategies for effective detachment.
The journey forward
Image by ckstockphoto via Envato Elements
As we move forward, it's essential to recognise that detaching from work isn't a sign of weakness but a strategic approach to sustainable leadership. Here's how you can start this journey:
- Reflect on your habits - Identify your current work-life patterns and acknowledge the need for change.
- Set incremental goals - Begin with small changes in your routine and gradually increase your detachment time.
- Celebrate progress - Recognise and celebrate the positive impact of detachment on your well-being and leadership.
Conclusion
Image by IrynaKhabliuk via Envato Elements
The idea of disconnecting from work in a hyper-connected world may seem daunting, but the benefits are clear. As leaders, it's our responsibility to model healthy work habits for our well-being and the benefit of our teams and organisations.
Let's commit to being more mindful of our time, embracing detachment, and recharging effectively. By doing so, we aren't just bettering ourselves — we're setting a new standard for leading effectively.
About the Mandatory Training Group
The Mandatory Training Group is one of the leading UK providers of CPDUK-accredited statutory and mandatory training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, eLearning software and workforce development solutions for all sectors.
By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.
Click here to see our wide range of accredited online leadership and management courses and training programmes for various organisations.
About the Mandatory Training Group
The Mandatory Training Group is one of the leading UK providers of CPDUK-accredited statutory and mandatory training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, eLearning software and workforce development solutions for all sectors.
By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.
Click here to see our wide range of accredited online leadership and management courses and training programmes for various organisations.
About Dr Richard Dune
Dr Richard Dune is a leading health and social care governance expert. Throughout his career, he has worked in various settings across the UK, including NHS Trusts, research and development, academic institutions, and private companies.
His work primarily focuses on developing, deploying and evaluating technologies, such as clinical decision support systems, educational technologies, workforce development and regulatory compliance solutions.
Dr Dune regularly writes about topical issues affecting the UK's health and social care sectors. Additionally, he speaks at conferences, stakeholder workshops, and professional forums. Dr Dune is also a research fellow at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in the Research, Development and Innovation department. His other passions include content development, education, and coaching. Click here to read more articles by Dr Dune.
About Dr Richard Dune
Dr Richard Dune is a leading health and social care governance expert. Throughout his career, he has worked in various settings across the UK, including NHS Trusts, research and development, academic institutions, and private companies.
His work primarily focuses on developing, deploying and evaluating technologies, such as clinical decision support systems, educational technologies, workforce development and regulatory compliance solutions.
Dr Dune regularly writes about topical issues affecting the UK's health and social care sectors. Additionally, he speaks at conferences, stakeholder workshops, and professional forums. Dr Dune is also a research fellow at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in the Research, Development and Innovation department. His other passions include content development, education, and coaching. Click here to read more articles by Dr Dune.
Contact us
Complete the form below to find out how we can help your organisation with regulatory compliance and governance, statutory and mandatory training, continuous professional development, learning management systems and educational technologies.