In the journey from an individual contributor to a people leader, there comes a pivotal shift in the approach to work that top leaders know how to flex and reshape towards. As responsibilities evolve, the focus transitions from merely working harder – often coming with grueling work that truly teaches you and fantastic (or not) prior bosses that have shaped you to now – working smarter. Smart enough to win at work while doing it with integrity and harmony with your life. This transformation is a strategy we recommend for sustainable success and effective leadership. Top leaders understand the importance of creating routines, spaces for rest, and strategies to recharge. By doing so, they ensure they can consistently bring their best selves to their roles every day.
The Shift: From Doing to Leading
As an individual contributor, the primary focus is on executing tasks and delivering results. Success in this phase often comes from hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. However, as one moves into progressive leadership roles, the dynamics change significantly. Often building upon each other. Leaders are not only responsible for their performance but also for guiding, inspiring, and managing their teams.
“Good Intent” emphasizes that great leaders understand the necessity of evolving their work habits. They know that working smarter involves delegating tasks, empowering team members, and leveraging collective strengths. This approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Creating Routines for Success
Consistency is a hallmark of effective leadership. Establishing routines helps leaders manage their time efficiently and ensures they are consistently present for their teams. These routines might include regular check-ins with team members, setting aside time for strategic planning, and prioritizing tasks that align with long-term goals.
Barack Obama, once said,
You can’t let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you.
This quote underscores the importance of reflection and learning in a leader’s routine. By regularly evaluating what works and what doesn’t, leaders can refine their strategies and continue to grow.
The Power of Rest and Recharge
The demands of leadership can be overwhelming at times. And with maturity and experience this can be tapered and manageable with a whole life. But that requires you to invest in yourself.
Without adequate rest and opportunities to recharge, even the most dedicated leaders can burn out.
It’s crucial to recognize that downtime is not a luxury but a necessity. Leaders need to create spaces where they can disconnect from work, clear their minds, and rejuvenate.
“Good Intent” also highlights that intentional rest is a cornerstone of sustained leadership success. Whether it’s through hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, these moments of rest enable leaders to return to their roles with renewed energy and perspective.
Steve Jobs, once said,
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
To foster innovation, leaders need to be at their best, which is only possible when they prioritize their well-being. By taking care of themselves, leaders are better equipped to drive their teams forward and inspire innovation. And while we can write a while thesis on this – it’s important to note for this insight – that actually most of the deep processing of intellect, creativity and strategy that you pay these top leaders for happens when they are away from their desk. Top leaders who are truly engaged feel inspired to be open to letting workplace strategy enter their mind during a run or nature walk. Good leaders are able to flow in and out off mindset shifts and show up with dignity to all mutually agreed relationships.
Showing Up Each Day
Consistently good leaders don’t just show up—they show up ready to lead. This readiness comes from a balanced approach to work and life. By working smarter, not harder, creating effective routines, and ensuring adequate rest, leaders can maintain their effectiveness and continue to inspire their teams. And for a leader to show up as top of the heap they need to feel safe and able to be their genuine self with business decorum. Coaching annd advisory from Good Intent may help here. Assign us to help your best talent of tomorrow!
In conclusion, the transition from an individual contributor to a people leader requires a fundamental shift in how one approaches work. By focusing on working smarter in all aspects of life – creating sustainable routines, and prioritizing rest, leaders can ensure they are consistently at their best – while being engaged and creative. This balanced approach is what distinguishes good leaders from great ones and allows them to show up each day, ready to make a difference.
Good Intent helps with this.