Leadership Coach and Author of "Leading at the Speed of People" at Dr Julie Donley, LLC
Answered a year ago
Managing work-life harmony as a leader requires intentionality and self-awareness. For me, three key practices make this possible. 1. Clarity about my values: My values serve as the foundation for my decisions and actions. They guide how I prioritize my time and energy, ensuring that what I focus on aligns with what matters most to me. 2. Establishing and respecting boundaries: While perfection isn't always achievable, I maintain strong boundaries around my time, especially in the evenings and on weekends. During those periods, I may choose to work, but I don't take client calls. Instead, I reserve that time for family, friends, and rejuvenating activities. These boundaries help me recharge so I can show up as my best self when I return to work. 3. Eliminating obstacles to effective functioning: This involves being intentional about delegating tasks to others who are better suited for them-whether that means involving my team or hiring additional support. I also lean on my coach to brainstorm strategies and solutions (and yes, I am a coach who has a coach!). By setting clear expectations through my actions and requests, I reinforce the importance of balance and focus. Ultimately, we teach others how to treat us by the boundaries we set and the commitments we honor. Leading ourselves effectively-by managing our energy, presence, and priorities-is critical for showing up fully in both our professional and personal lives. As leaders, wearing many hats is inevitable, but by staying intentional and disciplined, we can maintain a sense of control and engagement that benefits everyone we serve.
Managing work-life balance as a leader a journey of finding equilibrium while juggling competing demands. One approach I've embraced is creating "pressure valves" outside of work, and this has been transformative not just for me personally, but also for my leadership. Leadership-brings an intensity that can feel all-encompassing. Early in my journey, I realized my natural competitiveness, which serves me well in driving results, could sometimes amplify that intensity at work. I needed an outlet to channel that energy in a way that didn't burn me or my team out. It's the unsexy advice that works: for me, physical activities, like recreational volleyball and basketball. These became my release, a way to stay competitive, focused, and energized while drawing a clear boundary between work and play. But balance isn't just about physical outlets. It's also about relationships and community. I actively sought out networks of fellow leaders who understood the unique challenges of leadership-the high stakes, the constant decisions, and the ever-shifting goals. These relationships offered me a sense of belonging and perspective, whether over coffee or in structured communities. The simple act of sharing struggles and lessons with others creates a feedback loop of learning and resilience. I've also prioritized mentoring. It's funny-sometimes when I mentor others, I hear myself giving advice that feels like it's meant for me. It's a powerful reminder that leadership is as much about giving as it is about growing. Mentoring helps me refine my own approach and stay grounded in my values. Then there's the "non-leadership stuff" that often goes unnoticed but has profound impacts: sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and mental clarity. Poor sleep clouds judgment, bad food saps energy, and constant doom-scrolling feeds the mind with garbage ideas. Feeding the body and mind well creates clarity and resilience-qualities every leader needs. And just for the record, I know we all love to believe in the myth of balance. My opinion? It's a constantly moving goalpost. Realistically, it's keeping your juggling of priorities in check. What's in the rotation this week, and what can go on the back burner? You don't want to leave areas neglected forever, but sometimes, that's part of the tough decisions you have to make. Whether it's work that can wait until tomorrow or vice versa, balance is less about perfection and more about staying intentional in the choices you make.
As a leader, I've prioritized setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. This has been a crucial strategy in managing my own work-life balance and fostering a similar culture within my team. By establishing specific work hours (including weekends and holidays or time-off) and adhering to them, I've been able to dedicate quality time to my family and personal pursuits. This has significantly reduced stress and improved my overall well-being. Moreover, it has allowed me to approach work with renewed energy and focus. This approach has positively impacted my leadership in several ways: Increased empathy: Understanding the importance of work-life balance has made me more empathetic towards my team members. I'm more likely to recognize signs of stress or burnout and offer support. Improved decision-making: A clear mind and balanced life lead to better decision-making. I'm able to think critically, analyze situations objectively, and make informed choices. Stronger team culture: By modeling healthy work-life balance, I've encouraged my team to prioritize their well-being. This has fostered a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Enhanced productivity: When I'm rested and rejuvenated, I'm more productive. This increased productivity has a ripple effect, inspiring my team to achieve more. Ultimately, by prioritizing my own work-life balance, I've become a more effective and compassionate leader.
One way I've tackled work-life balance as a leader is through boundaries and modeling balance for my team. This means for me intentional time management, and doing my own self-care that I preach to others. I unblock specific hours of my calendar for unbendable personal time, whether it's exercising, hanging out with family or simply decompressing," he writes, for example. Not only does this practice safeguard my grip on sanity, but it ensures that I remain present and fully engaged in my work. What's been a game changer is adopting a "focus and recharge" approach. In the workday I structure my time in blocks of deep-focus work, pre-scheduling when I will do key activity without distractions. But I also made time for breaks to disconnect, reset and recharge. It's not just about not burning out, it's about having the energy and focus I need to lead well. I also find that communicating these things clearly to my team encourages a culture of respect and understanding. When my team sees me intentionally take steps toward balancing responsibilities, it empowers them to do the same. In my work cultures I frequently lean into having conversations about people not only do the work, but also fit their personal wellness into our organization and feel it is safe and encouraged to do so. It has been hugely beneficial to this approach. Objectively, I've seen heightened creativity and resilience, which plays out as better decision-making and improved problem-solving. On a professional level, it has increased my capacity to engage with my team genuinely. By demonstrating that it's possible to be both dedicated and balanced, I'm modeling sustainable leadership, which ultimately boosts morale, productivity, retention and the like all around. Work-life balance isn't an indulgence, it's an imperative for good leadership. Having this mindset allows me to be my best self for my team and the people we touch, so that our work truly matters and lasts.
One way I have managed my work-life balance is consciously defining boundaries coupled with developing a purpose as a cornerstone in my work and life. Having been CEO of Ascendant NY, I've come to realize that the work we do in recovery is highly personal, and it's simple to allow that line to smudge. To preserve the impact and empathy I offer, I've created non-negotiables that allow me to recharge, be present, and lead with clarity. A big strategy of mine is creating structured "off-hours." As I do so, I now find times when I temporarily give up the pressure associated with the role, to engage in personal relationships and interests and rest and rejuvenate. Be it spending time with family, meditating, or just going for a walk to think, these little things keep me grounded. Not only has this practice given me deeper access to emotional resilience but it has also enabled me to show up in my leadership with more energy and empathy. I also delegate well, and allow my team to own decisions. By trusting my team with things, I am able to build their confidence and ensure that I am not drowning in responsibilities that don't need my direct attention. This promotes joint responsibility, which contributes to the strengthening of the organization. (as a leader, work life balance managing was my strong suit) My improvements to leading by example have shown my team that you need to find balance to be successful long term and mentally healthy. On top of that, it has helped me make better choices. A forced step-back, allows me to hit the next day with a new lens and unstoppable energy, which will ultimately help both my team and the clients we serve. In the demanding world of recovery, to paraphrase Scott Fitzgerald, I think balance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. It enables me to be my best self, not only for my work but also for the people counting on me to help guide them through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
One thing I've done to maintain balance between my work and personal life as a leader is to set a structured schedule that allows for both professional and personal priorities. While this routine allows me to build consistencies, it guarantees that I will make time intentionally with myself while still keeping my mind on business. It's not only about the boundaries but also being intentional about matching my time to my values. A guide to the essential lifestyle restructuring is to plan out your day the prior evening by figuring your to dos in terms of their importance & not urgency. This lets me work on high-impact things during hours when I'm most productive, and helps me avoid the low-key constant firefighting that a lot of founders can fall into. I also plan personal time, whether to exercise, to have family dinners, or to have quiet moments just to think, and I uphold those commitments with as much validity as a meeting for work. In a quest for balance, I also adopted the principle of delegation. One of the things I've learned is that trusting my team and delegating decision-making leads to not only a lighter load for me but also a culture of ownership and accountability. This alleviates the pressure of being "always on" and allows me to lean on strategic initiatives and ensure my team is growing in their careers. This approach has deep, abiding benefits. From my own experience, I have found that balance is essential to life and avoids unnecessary stress and makes the issues we face seem less chaotic. On a professional level, it sharpened my skill to lead by example. And by proving it to my team that you can be good without ruining yourself, I've inspired a destination workplace culture. This feeling of support and freedom to find their own balance has resulted in higher engagement, creativity and overall morale with employees. Underneath all of this, work-life balance is not just an individual pursuit, but also a leadership strategy. When I take the time and effort to take care of myself, I show up as a more present, empathetic and effective leader not only benefiting me but the organization as a whole. And it's a reminder that sustained success comes through alignment, not overextension.
As a leader, one approach I've taken to manage work-life balance is embracing gratitude and recognition in my daily routine. At Give River, we emphasize gratitude as a core aspect of workplace culture. By taking a moment each day to acknowledge small victories and express appreciation, I've found it balances stress and improves my emotional resilience. This practice is rooted in my experiences engaging diverse roles, from hosting television shows to working in high-pressure sales environments. A specific technique I use is the "Gratitude Journal," a concept we advocate at Give River. Each evening, I jot down three things I'm thankful for related to work. This nightly reflection not only uplifts my mindset but also promotes personal well-being, which directly influences my ability to lead effectively. Studies we've incorporated into our 5G Method show that gratitude can boost productivity by 17% and reduce turnover by 53%, reinforcing its impact on leadership and team success. Furthermore, we've seen how nurturing a culture of gratitude at work connects team members on a deeper level, creating a more cohesive and supportive environment. This approach has translated into notable improvements in team engagement and satisfaction, mirroring the positive changes I experienced personally. Embracing gratitude strengthens leadership by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
I have been very effective in managing work-life balance by designing strict boundaries around work hours. That means setting a specific time for work and personal life, where I fully engage and am focused on both areas without overlap. For example, I often avoid checking emails or taking calls after a certain hour, allowing myself to be completely focused on family time and other personal interests without distractions. This strategy has greatly benefited my leadership by ensuring that I enhance my overall well-being and productivity. When I prioritize my time, I return to work refreshed and more focused, thus improving my decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, modeling this behavior encourages members of my team to establish similar practices, consequently fostering a work culture that respects work-life balance. This, in turn, reflects increased morale and engagement, hence an improved and satisfied workforce.
I established a strict "no meetings after 6 PM" policy for myself and my team, which transformed my leadership effectiveness. This boundary created dedicated family time and allowed me to recharge mentally. The practice improved my decision-making abilities and helped me model sustainable work habits for my team. The results speak volumes - my team's productivity rose as they adopted similar boundaries. I noticed clearer thinking in morning meetings and better strategic planning capabilities. My personal relationships strengthened, and I brought fresh perspectives to workplace challenges. This balance made me more approachable and understanding of my team's personal commitments, fostering a culture of mutual respect and high performance.
One of the most effective things I've done to combat work-life balance is institute what I refer to as "structured flexibility." It's having a well-defined work boundary while leaving without letting creativity and personal priorities flow when they are supposed to. As the founder and CEO of DIGITECH, I, too, get lost in a whirlwind of projects, deadlines, and client needs. But early in my career, I learned that running on empty all the time wasn't sustainable, not for me, and not for my team. So I established some nonnegotiables for myself: definable start and stop times to my workday, exercise, weekends with no working at all. This is how it's served me as a leader: Mainly on the first, it's improved my decision making. Having time to recharge allows me to come back at challenges with a different mindset and a more glaring focus. When I'm not depleted I'm able to think more strategically, I can innovate more creatively, and I can remain levelheaded under pressure. When my team sees me practicing this balance, it motivates them to practice it as well, fostering a more productive, healthier working environment. Second, it's deepened my capacity for empathetic leadership. By creating space in my life outside of work, I better understand and support my team's desire for flexibility." They helped built trust and loyalty, both priceless in leadership. Finally, structured flexibility stimulates creativity. Many of my best ideas for DIGITECH have originated when out on a hike or spent with the family. Putting space between me and the screen creates the brain space required for my brain to make those connections uniquely that serve the business best. Work-life balance is not about perfection, it's about intention. By playing the energy game instead of only the time game, I've been able to step up as a more powerful and present leader to my team, my clients, and me.
One approach I've embraced is setting clear boundaries around my time, ensuring I'm fully present both at work and in my personal life. This intentionality has strengthened my decision-making and sharpened my focus, enabling me to lead with clarity and confidence. It's also reinforced my ability to model balance for my team, showing that sustained performance comes from prioritizing well-being. By making space for rest and renewal, I've found that I can bring more energy, creativity, and empathy to my leadership.
One approach I've taken to manage work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, which has significantly benefited my leadership. I prioritize scheduling personal time just as I do business meetings, whether it's for family, exercise, or relaxation. This commitment to personal well-being not only allows me to recharge but also sets a positive example for my team. By maintaining a healthy balance, I'm more focused, energized, and present when leading projects or interacting with clients, which directly impacts my decision-making and problem-solving abilities. This approach has fostered a healthier work culture within my company. By openly communicating the importance of work-life balance, I encourage my team to take time for themselves without feeling guilty, thus improving their overall job satisfaction and productivity. As a result, I've seen less burnout and greater collaboration across departments. Balancing work and personal life has made me a more effective leader, as I'm able to lead with a clear mind and provide better guidance to my team.
One approach I've taken to manage work-life balance is implementing a strict "no emails" policy during off hours at Rocket Alumni Solutions. Inspired by strategies I learned in investment banking, I wanted to avoid burnout in our startup environment. By creating clear boundaries, my team and I ensure productivity while respecting personal time. This has fostered a more energized and motivated workforce, directly improving team satisfaction. Personally, I also prioritize work-life balance by setting clear goals and focusing on time management. When I was juggling my startup and college, it allowed me a structured yet flexible schedule. This experience taught me the value of compartmentalizing tasks and ensuring I allocate time for personal rejuvenation. It benefits my leadership as I'm more present and proactive, which resonates positively across the company culture.
How Embracing Work-Life Balance Transformed My Leadership As the founder, maintaining a work-life balance has always been a challenge, but I've learned that it's essential for both my well-being and my effectiveness as a leader. One approach I've taken is to schedule "no-work" time each week, usually over the weekends, where I completely disconnect from work-no emails, calls, or meetings. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I struggled with burnout, often working through the weekends. I quickly realized that this unsustainable pace was impacting my ability to think creatively and make clear decisions. By setting boundaries and taking intentional breaks, I've become more focused and energized during the workweek. This balance has also set a positive example for my team, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being without sacrificing productivity. It's led to a more motivated, engaged team and, ultimately, better business outcomes.
As a leader, I was conscious about setting the standard for a healthy work-life balance. After all, team members look up to you as their leader and unconsciously adapt to your standards. Therefore, I carefully set boundaries to ensure work was not taking over my life. Time management in the sense of organizing my calendar, delegating work, and influencing others to take on their responsibilities was one thing. Still, I also did not send emails during evenings, weekends, and holidays. By setting the example of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you will inspire others to do the same. It is gratifying to experience as a leader, and at the same time, it increases your team's productivity.
Managing work-life balance has always been a challenge, especially with the demands of leading a growing company. One approach I've taken is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, which I know sounds basic but has been transformative. For me, this means intentionally scheduling personal time-whether it's a walk, spending time with family, or simply reading a book-and sticking to it as firmly as I would a business meeting. I've found that having these personal rituals allows me to recharge and step back, which makes me a more focused and empathetic leader. In fact, I've noticed that when I take time to disconnect, I'm more strategic in my decision-making and better able to guide my team with clarity and vision. For example, during a particularly challenging project launch, I made it a point to disconnect for a weekend to reflect on the big picture. When I returned, I had a fresh perspective that helped solve issues that felt overwhelming before. This has not only benefited my well-being but also strengthened my ability to lead with a clear mind, ensuring that my team feels supported and empowered.
Work-life balance is something I take seriously, especially in the rapidly evolving world of tech and education at Audo. One approach I use is leveraging flexible work arrangements, which our global virtual team supports. By allowing team members to adjust their schedules, we maintain productivity while respecting personal commitments. This has led to increased employee satisfaction, which translates to more innovative contributions. I also prioritize skill development as a means of balance. Our AI-driven tools at Audo not only improve employability but also streamline tasks, allowing me and my team to focus on impactful work without unnecessary stress. For example, the AI Career Concierge simplifies job searches, which helps reduce the effort needed in our recruitment processes. It provides me more time for strategic oversight, making leadership more effective. Bringing AI into processes creates a partnership between technology and human insight, freeing us to focus on growth rather than mundane tasks. This approach not only fosters a healthier work-life balance but ensures we're constantly aligned with industry advancements, a critical move during post-pandemic shifts.
As a leader, managing work-life balance is about setting boundaries and leading by example. Early in my career, I struggled to find that balance, especially in a physically demanding and customer-focused industry like tree services. Over time, I realized that being constantly available was not sustainable and could lead to burnout, not just for me but also for my team. Now, I prioritize scheduling my work hours strategically and ensuring my team follows suit. For instance, I implemented a policy of reserving Sundays as a family day for myself and encouraging my team to take at least one guaranteed day off a week. This allows us to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and come back to work refreshed and focused. My years of experience and certifications, such as being TRAQ certified and a certified arborist, have helped me delegate effectively because I can trust the processes and expertise we have built within the company. This balance has not only improved my leadership by making me more approachable and clear-headed but also created a healthier workplace culture. When my team sees that I value both hard work and personal time, they feel empowered to do the same, which ultimately leads to better morale, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
From the aspect as leader, there are many aspect one need to prioritize but for self its Health and well being come first so, in this manner to prioritize of Work-Life balance as per your setter condition. One method I have instituted is establishing hard lines between work and personal time, and modeling those lines for my staff. This is not simply about "clocking out" at a certain time this is about being intentional of how I spend my time and ensuring that my mind is present wherever I am, be it work or family. For instances, I use my high priority tasks to build my working day around and effective delegation so that I do not need to deal with minor issues in my personal life. I have also set aside specific hours in my calendar for personal commitments, whether committing to an exercise class or prioritizing time with loved ones, and I treat those commitments just as seriously as I would treat a meeting at work. By protecting this time, I re-energize physically, mentally and emotionally, allowing me to be a more present and engaging leader. There are real benefits to this approach to my leadership. It has first made me more deliberate in my decision-making and problem-solving. When I'm well rested and under less stress, I can tackle both work and play with a clearer mind and broader point of view." Second, it's allowed me to cultivate a culture of workplace health. They've seen that balance is possible and important through my example, and through my example I've empowered my team to focus on themselves and their well-being. This has resulted in improved productivity, reduced burnout and a more positive, collaborative work environment. In the end, work-life balance isn't about separating the two, but of integrating them so that both can flourish. As a leader, when I prioritize balance, not only am I taking care of myself, but I'm also leading by example and that is going to help my whole team to be more successful. It's an insight that victory doesn't mean being "on" all of the time, victory is knowing when to be effective and when to be in the room.
Having boundaries from work, as a leader, has been one of the best approaches I've found to work-life balance, it works! In my early career, I thought that being always available was the best way to show great leadership, but I learned that being available for every working hour was unsustainable and detrimental to my long-term leadership role. My greatest takeaway today is designing explicit frameworks that allow me to balance organizational obligations with personal wellness, and both my leadership and my team are richly benefited by this. One of the main strategies I've utilized is time-blocking. I schedule sacred hours for focusing on very important work, knitting creatively, and engaging with the team, and I intentionally plan to reserve time for family, self-care and personal interests. I make sure to center myself in the mornings, whether through exercise, meditation or simply quietly drinking my coffee, before diving into work. Likewise, I established a "hard stop" at the end of the day in order to disconnect and redirect my attention to home life. Though I sometimes need an exception, and these boundaries create a toolbox that allows me to be as present as possible in every area of my life. This practice has helped my leadership in many ways. To begin with, it has improved my ability to make decisions and solve problems. On a personal level, by taking time to rest, I am far more focused and creative in my role that leads to more intentional and effective leadership. Second, it has modeled well for my team. When they witness me honoring boundaries, it gives them permission to do the same, cultivating a culture of balance and sustainability in the organization. Third, it has built resilience. Leadership is a high-pressure affair, and work-life balance is my armor against stressful times, allowing me to approach challenges with more clarity and focus. Ultimately, I've learned taking care of myself is not just a selfish thing, it's a professional responsibility. By learning to balance, I'm not just more effective as a leader but also better positioned to inspire and support my team to succeed, both professionally and personally.