The Importance of Leadership Balance: Making Culture Changes by Doing Nothing

Leadership is not just about guiding teams to success or hitting organizational goals. It is also about setting a sustainable example for those around us. As leaders, our actions speak louder than words—especially when finding balance in our lives.

Many of us have worked for leaders who set a great example, arriving at the office before anyone else and leaving well after everyone else. These leaders are seen as committed and hard workers.

Then, there is the type of leader who goes further, working evenings, weekends, holidays, and even on vacation. While they may openly encourage their direct reports to disconnect during their scheduled time off, they set an example of constant availability and over-commitment. Their actions suggest that no time off is truly “off,” which creates unspoken pressure on those around them.

It is important to understand that these leaders may genuinely believe they are setting the right example by working through breaks, but they may inadvertently create a culture where balance feels unattainable. Their message is subtle but powerful: “The work is never truly done,” and “You always need to be available to succeed.” These unspoken messages can lead to burnout, disengagement, and decreased productivity.

On the other hand, a leader who truly embraces time away—whether it is taking a day off or disconnecting during vacations speaks volumes. Here are a few ways.

• • • It says, “I trust you to do your job while I’m away,” and that trust builds confidence. It shows others that success does not have to come at the cost of personal well-being, and it reminds everyone that there is a larger team where responsibilities are shared and respected.
    • It permits me to do the same. Knowing that it is okay to take my own time away allows me to refresh my body and soul. But it also gives me the space to clear my mind, reflect, and recharge. And almost always, this time away produces creative solutions to problems I otherwise might have gotten stuck trying to solve. In those moments of reflection, the best ideas emerge that simply would not have been possible if I had not taken the necessary break to reset.
    • It creates a domino effect. When you demonstrate healthy leadership through balance, I begin to do the same, and then my direct reports see it as acceptable and expected It. They begin to take the time to refresh and recharge, ultimately benefiting everyone. They return to work with renewed energy, clarity, and fresh perspectives, ready to take on old and new challenges with a clear mind.
    • It allows others to stretch their skills. Leaders who are entirely disconnected are leaving those behind to do the work, make good decisions, make mistakes, and everything in between while they are gone, creating teachable moments for when they return.

Leaders who model this behavior show their teams that it is possible to achieve remarkable things while taking care of yourself. Most would agree that our best work happens when we allow ourselves the time and space to recharge, whether through time with family, pursuing personal passions, or simply resting.

If there is a word for 2025, it is balance.  True leadership is about showing others that it is possible to be highly effective while caring for our health, relationships, and personal well-being. Only when we lead with balance can we set the tone for our culture and move people toward nurturing their whole lives, which includes working, playing, resting, reflecting, and spending time doing the things they love with the ones they love.