What’s really holding your leadership impact back?

The answer might surprise you. 
 
The leaders I work with consistently tell me their biggest challenge is not prioritising their health. The drive to achieve, get ‘stuff’ done and be available means they run out of time for what is at the core of it all. 
 
We all know that our health impacts our physical performance, but what about our leadership ability? 

As  Caroline Williams, scientist and author of Move, highlighted: “If we don’t move and think at the same time, our brains decide to save energy by cutting brain capacity.” This is a startling fact that suggests our intellectual power is in decline when our work keeps us at a desk with limited movement. 
 
During my conversation with Caroline on the The Leadership Effectiveness Podcast - Hosted by Kate Thomas, she confirmed that exercise can change our brain, strengthening our core to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive skills. These small shifts in health can unlock new levels of leadership potential and improve our business impact and performance. 
 
So, why aren’t we prioritising this? 

Many leaders I work with admit they’re not setting boundaries that support their health. 

💡 Imagine if your health were a performance-related KPI tied directly to your reward structure. How would that change your approach? 
 
Let’s talk about how setting boundaries can accelerate your leadership effectiveness. 

✔️ Micro-moments are powerful. Take small, agenda-free moments throughout the day to recharge. These brief breaks are essential for mental clarity and creativity. 

✔️ Take yourself with you. Remember that you’re not a different person just because you’re away. Use the time to sit with your thoughts, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. 

✔️ Unwind without expectations. For me, that meant no books whilst on my last holiday! It was a first, but I went with it and let my mind wander without trying to fill it with tasks or information. 

✔️ Trust your team. You can only entirely switch off if you have a team you trust to keep priorities moving forward smoothly. I thank my team at NewlandRock for their support when I take time away. 
 
Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying ‘no’—it’s about creating space for what underpins your overall success: your health, mind, and leadership potential. 

What boundaries will you set today to accelerate your leadership effectiveness and drive the business impact that differentiates your strategy?

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Leadership Effectiveness is the rock of every business. NewlandRock increases leadership effectiveness for talent-savvy companies and individuals going through a transition.

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