How can companies maintain high levels of productivity and, at the same time, prevent burnout? When expectations for employees exceed sustainable levels of performance, it’s helpful to consider the work culture’s cadence, that is, the speed at which things get done. Successful athletes know that they can’t constantly push themselves to achieve. By managing their energy and creating periods of recovery, athletes, as well as workforces, can reach their highest potential.
Top athletes understand the importance of rest, and one doesn’t have to be an elite athlete to take advantage of their tried-and-true recovery practices. Managing the work/life balance, setting aside time for just ’thinking’ rather than ‘doing’.
Rest and recovery contribute to peak performance. For CEOs, this means scheduling recovery periods on the job and engaging in activities off it.
Elite athletes and modern CEOs have a lot in common. Just as modern sports stars are stronger, better coached, and better prepared than those of the past, today’s best leaders have made profound shifts in their thinking about and approach to the job. Indeed, research has identified several traits that are required to lead in the 21st century: for example, positive energy, a sense of service, and a belief in continuous learning.
One thing that enables great athletes to perform at their best is using their time purposefully. Similar to an elite athlete who maintains a game-day routine, the best CEOs manage their time meticulously. A helpful practice is to develop a “tight but loose” calendar that includes both promptly run meetings and blocks of unscheduled time. For instance, the CEO of a global tech company said that he keeps 20% of his calendar empty, which enables him to reflect and to react to emerging situations.