We the Leaders HQ

strong leaders know when to stop: why leaders need rest

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by

MICHELLECANTUWILSON
in

This was not the article I had planned for us today.

What was on my mind this morning was the idea of decision-making and knowing when to leave a toxic work environment.

A year ago, my good friend and higher ed colleague, Dr. Tony Cruz, shared a book with me called Exit, Voice, and Loyalty, and I was planning on drawing from the genius in this book to help mid-level leaders develop a strategy for changing course in their careers.

And I still plan to write that article.

However, not today.

It’s been a long week, friends. There is governmental tumult and political strife. Furthermore, there is war playing out unpredictably on an unsteady stage, and many people are suffering economically, dreading the coming holidays and the expenses that come with it.

Perhaps it is better, then, to turn our focus to slowing our minds, unplugging for a little while, and directing our attention to our loved ones and our blessings. Although we are entering the season of “Let’s circle back after the holidays,” we are also entering a period of high work stress—a time of deadlines and a mad rush to close out the semester. No amount of leadership theory will make that better; this I know. Leaders need rest to sustain their ability to make sound decisions and remain effective in times of stress.

Snowy morning with book and coffee

Why Leaders Need Rest

Leadership isn’t just about strategy, execution, and results. In fact, it’s also about knowing when to pause. Leaders need rest to maintain mental clarity, emotional resilience, and long-term effectiveness. Studies show that rest and recovery are essential for high performance. Yet, so many leaders push through exhaustion, believing they must always be “on.”

Therefore, cancel any stressful plans you can, and spend the day doing slow things that bring you peace and joy. Rest is not a retreat—it is a recalibration.

I’ll share my plans with you:

  • Today I’m going to make a good brunch, and I’m going to take my time doing it.
  • Next, I’m going to do laundry and watch football.
  • Then, I’m going to make some homemade meatball sandwiches and maybe bake some cookies.
  • The kids and I are going to get Christmas out of the attic and spend the day putting up the decorations.
  • Afterward, I’m going to make time to journal, and I’m going to drink hot coffee.
  • If I get out of the house, it’s only going to be for fun, simple things.

The Science Behind Rest and Leadership

There is mounting research on why leaders need rest to be effective. To illustrate, here are some excellent resources to explore:

Leading Yourself First

Leadership is also about leading yourself. Leaders who prioritize rest are not stepping away from leadership; they are strengthening it. A rested leader is more thoughtful, creative, and compassionate. Leaders need rest not just for their own well-being but also to show up fully for their teams and organizations.

So today, let’s lead ourselves to a season of prioritizing our mental and emotional health so that we CAN experience joy—and, ultimately, return to our leadership roles refreshed and ready.