Stop Thinking Leadership is Just a 9-to-5 Job: It’s in Everything You Do
In today's fast-paced world, leadership is often seen through the narrow lens of corporate environments and organizational hierarchies. However, true leadership transcends physical locations and professional titles. You can get a million initials behind your name and still not embody the true definition of what it means to be a leader. This is because leadership isn’t confined to a physical space… let alone a title. It's an inherent trait that you carry with you wherever you go, influencing not only your career but also your personal relationships and overall well-being.
A Story of True Leadership
Let me tell you about a client of mine—let's call her Sarah. Sarah was a high-performing executive, killing it in her role as CEO of a fast-growing tech company. Despite her professional success, Sarah struggled at home. Her relationships with her family were strained, and most importantly, she had lost touch with herself.
When Sarah and I started working together, it became clear that while she excelled at work, she was struggling to embody leadership in her personal life. Here’s how we turned things around:
Understanding Leadership Beyond Work
Sarah initially saw leadership as something she did at work—leading her team, making strategic decisions, and driving results. But leadership is just as crucial at home. We worked on helping her understand that being a leader meant showing up for her family with the same dedication and empathy she showed her team.
More importantly, Sarah needed to show up for herself. She had been losing herself in her professional role, neglecting her own needs and passions. This lack of self-care was affecting her ability to connect deeply with her family. She learned that leadership involves self-compassion and self-awareness. By dedicating time to her own well-being and interests, she could replenish her energy and be more present for her loved ones.
Through our work together, Sarah realized that leadership wasn't just about guiding others—it was also about nurturing and supporting herself. This shift allowed her to rebuild the connections that mattered most and strengthen her relationships both at work and at home.
Rebuilding Personal Connections
At home, Sarah often felt overwhelmed and disconnected. This internal struggle manifested in feelings of isolation and a sense of failure in her personal life. She was constantly stressed, unable to fully relax, and felt guilty about not being as present for her family as she wanted to be. This emotional turmoil took a toll on her mental and physical health, leaving her exhausted and dissatisfied.
We focused on rebuilding her personal relationships by applying the same leadership skills she used at work. This involved improving her communication and showing genuine interest in her family’s needs and feelings. She learned to engage with her family in a meaningful way, creating a more supportive and loving home environment.
The result of this transformation was profound. As Sarah started to communicate better and show genuine interest in her family's lives, she began to reconnect with them on a deeper level. She noticed that her home became a place of comfort and joy rather than another source of stress. The supportive and loving environment she created allowed her to feel more at ease and content.
Internally, Sarah experienced a significant shift. The overwhelm and disconnection she once felt were replaced with a sense of fulfillment and happiness. She felt more balanced and in control of her life. This newfound harmony at home also positively impacted her professional performance, as she was able to bring her whole, authentic self to work each day, feeling rejuvenated and supported.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Sarah was always in “go mode” at work, and she found it hard to switch off when she got home. We worked on setting boundaries and creating a balance. She implemented routines that allowed her to transition from work to home life smoothly. This included setting clear end-of-day rituals, prioritizing self-care, and dedicating uninterrupted time to her family. By doing so, she found that she could be more present and engaged, both at work and home.
Advanced Tips for Embodying Leadership
If you find yourself struggling to embody leadership beyond your professional role, here are three advanced tips that I worked with Sarah to help implement that transformed her life:
Practice Self-Reflection: Take time each day to reflect on your actions and decisions. Ask yourself how you can apply your leadership skills to improve your personal relationships (or vice versa). This will enhance your self-awareness and help you identify areas for improvement.
Prioritize Active Listening: Whether at work or home, practice active listening. This means truly hearing what others are saying without planning your response. It shows respect and builds stronger connections, making people feel valued and understood.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish boundaries between your professional and personal life. This might mean turning off work notifications after a certain hour or dedicating specific times for family activities. Clear boundaries help you stay focused and present in each aspect of your life.
In Need of a Change in Your Life?
If you've tried and failed to make lasting and meaningful change, or if you notice you aren’t embodying the version of a true leader you aspire to be, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. True transformation often requires guidance and support.
Remember, leadership is not just about achieving success at work; it’s about leading a fulfilling, balanced life. If you're ready to transform your leadership journey and achieve peak performance in every aspect of your life, let's make it happen together.
For more insights on how to lead effectively both at work and home, and to explore personalized or team coaching opportunities, reach out today.