Rested Leaders Lead Better

Happy Friday!

We were fortunate to spend last week in beautiful sunny Cornwall. I've been reflecting this week on the importance of switching off as a leader.  For years in my corporate career I would be constantly on my phone whilst away from work.  I remember one holiday where I had to lock my blackberry in the safe just to stop myself looking at it. I wasn’t aware at the time how unhealthy this was.

Switching off isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity for us all. There is still a lingering belief among leaders that always being “on” is a sign of commitment and strength. In reality, it signals the opposite; a system too dependent on one person to function effectively and a lack of trust in others. 

A recent leadership session I facilitated highlighted this dependency on leaders and business owners. When leaders don’t switch off they deny their teams the opportunity to work independently and to grow. This creates real risks for the business and its clients. Time away becomes diluted - neither productive work nor proper rest serves no-one.

True rest is where your mind is not preoccupied, it allows your brain to reset. Cognitive science shows that stepping away from complex problems often leads to better solutions and clearer sharper decisions . It’s why your best ideas often appear on a walk, not necessily in a meeting.

Being outdoors, especially in unfamiliar surroundings, fresh air, natural light, and movement all play a role in reducing stress hormones and improving your mood.

There is also psychological shift that happens when you physically remove yourself from your usual environment. Distance creates perspective, problems that felt urgent and heavy can suddenly seem manageable and decisions that felt complex become clearer. 

Whether it’s walking along a coastline, hiking through countryside, or simply sitting outside in fresh air without distraction, these moments create mental openness - something we often lack in the intensity of daily work.

When leaders truly switch off, four important things happen:

Clarity returns – You reconnect with the bigger picture rather than getting lost in operational detail

Creativity increases – New ideas emerge when your brain isn’t overloaded

Resilience strengthens – Real rest improves your ability to handle pressure when you return

Teams grow - Leaders step back and truly trust and empower others

Switching off doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention and commitment. I'll share more about how to do this in next weeks' blog. The true value of switching off becomes evident when you return. Leaders who have properly rested don’t just come back relaxed, they come back sharper, they listen better, they think more strategically, they have more energy and they lead with clarity and confidence.

I look forward to sharing more next week. In the meantime challenge yourself today to step outside and stop even if it's for 10 minutes.

This was taken on a walk between Sennen and Lands End - stunning spot!