The Rested Leader - Unlocking the Power of Me-Time for Leadership Excellence

As this is really the Festive Season Edition of my newsletter, I thought it would be a great time to address the need for a leader to realise that rest, or some ‘me-time’ is yet another imperative to incorporate on your journey to Leadership Excellence.

In the relentless pursuit of success, leaders often find themselves sacrificing rest and personal time to meet the demands of their roles. Yet, research and experience consistently reveal a profound truth:

Leaders who prioritize rest and me-time are not just more effective—they're also more sustainable, focused, and innovative in their leadership journey.

Achieving More by Doing Less

Rest is not a luxury for leaders; it’s a strategic necessity. Leaders who neglect their well-being often fall into cycles of burnout, reduced decision-making ability, and diminished creativity. On the other hand, those who intentionally create space for rest and personal rejuvenation cultivate clarity, emotional resilience, and the energy to inspire their teams.

Rest isn't just about quality sleep—it's about carving out moments for yourself to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with your purpose. Whether it's a walk in nature, mindfulness practice, or dedicating time to a hobby, these moments of pause can be the catalyst for breakthrough insights and renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Why Developing Leaders Must Embrace Me-Time

Emerging leaders, eager to prove their capabilities, may feel the pressure to be constantly "on." However, cultivating the habit of rest early in your leadership journey sets the foundation for long-term excellence.

Here’s why rest is indispensable for developing leaders:

1. Sharper Decision-Making - A rested mind is better equipped to evaluate options and make sound decisions.

2. Stronger Relationships - Leaders who prioritize rest are more emotionally available and empathetic, which are key traits for developing meaningful connections.

3. Sustained Growth - Personal time allows leaders to reflect on their performance, set clear goals, and align with their values.

Some practical Steps to Prioritize Rest as a Leader

Developing the discipline to rest requires intentionality. Here are some actionable steps:

1.Schedule Your Me-Time 

Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment in your calendar. Consistency is key.

2. Unplug Regularly 

Set boundaries around technology to create space for genuine rest.

3. Reflect and Reset

Use rest periods to evaluate your goals, challenges, and leadership trajectory.

4. Leverage Delegation

Trust your team to handle tasks, freeing you to focus on your well-being and higher-level strategy.

5. Lead by Example

Demonstrate to your team that rest is a priority, encouraging a healthier organizational culture.

Rest as a Leadership Superpower

Rest is not a sign of weakness—it’s a hallmark of wisdom and self-awareness. By valuing rest, you model sustainable leadership and inspire your team to do the same.

In a world that often glorifies long hours at the office, the rested leader stands out as a beacon of balance, focus, and resilience.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands of leadership, remember: greatness isn’t achieved by running on empty—it’s fuelled by the energy, clarity, and vision that only rest can provide.

Take a step back, recharge, and watch how your leadership transforms.

What’s your favourite way to recharge as a leader? Share your thoughts in the comments as I’d love to hear your perspective!

Thank you for being part of my newsletter this year, it has been a privilege to share with you and I look forward to continue this into next year as well. (My next edition will be number 26, and as that will be a full year of Leadership Excellence, I will dedicate that one to a subject I am most passionate about, Values Based Leadership.)

From my wife, Dr.Arthie Moore-Robberts and I, we want to wish you a most amazing and restful Festive Season and may 2025 bring  health, happiness, and prosperity with everything you are willing to work towards.

Warmest regards,

Jan Robberts

Founder of Ki Leadership Institute.

About Jan Robberts:

Having studied personal development and leadership since he was 17, he also gained tremendous experience in leadership, communication, and coaching, working directly with Leadership greats, such as John Maxwell and Les Brown.

He travelled around the world in the oil industry for several decades, so he intentionally and consistently worked on his personal growth whilst supervising and project managing multi-million dollar projects. This has developed and added tremendous value to his journey, personal growth and expertise. 

Jan is known as a Global Influencer & Self-Leadership Strategist. He is co-Founder of Ki Leadership Institute & Founder of JRs Speakers Club. He is a professional Leadership Keynote Speaker, Leadership and personal development Coach, Self-care strategist, Behavioural Analysis Consultant & Values Based Leadership Specialist and to date, has spoken and trained on 4 continents.

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