Rush Hour Leadership: Rest

Without fail, nearly every time I listen to a Sunday sermon, I feel like I want to hit the "pause" button on the pastor's comments. Reason being? My brain connects a bullet point in the message to effective leadership. Sometimes it is not even a key point, but either way, the comment offered is impactful when considered from the lens of effective leadership. Today's message centered on the need for rest. That due to our "rush hour" life we disallow rest as an important factor in our personal productivity. Without citing research, we instinctively know that we are better at our jobs when sufficient rest takes place. This is apparent in those times where organizations mandate overtime to meet increasing demand. We want to think that 10 hour days will, in the end, actually equal 2 additional hours of production. When, in fact, a decline in production ends up being the case after a period of overtime. When we get tired, we just can't move at the same pace. Here is the leadership part I want you hear ... as "leader," you set the example! This is hardly anything new to you. And yet, we don't see leaders modeling the behavior they intellectually know will result in greater contributions to the company. Let me share some tips based on the sermon today. Take stock in them and try them out. And then let me know how you're doing when you are more fully rested. 1. Divert daily, withdraw weekly. When you divert daily to feed yourself, divert your thoughts and give yourself a brain break as well as a physical break. Withdraw for a designated period of time (at least 2 hours)once each week. During your short, weekly sabbatical: * Do nothing practical. Yes, you read this correctly - do NOTHING practical. Let the tasks sit. This is your time to mentally rest. Take the brain break seriously by shutting off your technology. * Reflect on what needs to be put in the "not now I'm resting" box. For instance, you appreciate hearing from your people, just not during this window of time. * Grab a piece of paper and pen. Jot down a list of what you are doing to nurture your connection to those who matter most to you, especially your God. * Kick evil thoughts to the gutter. If you find yourself floating in the sea of negativity, swim over to a trusted colleague for a splash of optimism. Prayer can work wonders in this spot. Decide to find, for yourself, a rhythm of rest. When you do, you may also find that beating the drum of life becomes easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.