We Need More Well-Rested Leaders

We often glorify the leaders who seem never to rest. The ones burning the midnight oil, juggling endless meetings, and working through weekends. They’re celebrated as the standard of success, but should they be?

While productivity is undeniably important, it’s becoming increasingly clear that constant hustle comes at a cost. What if the true hallmark of a successful leader was not the hours they put in, but how well-rested and mentally sharp they are? It’s time we rethink what effective leadership looks like, and that starts with rest.

The Myth of the Sleepless Leader

We’ve all heard the stories of CEOs who thrive on just four hours of sleep, rising before dawn, and burning through endless to-do lists well into the night. These leaders are celebrated as the epitome of dedication as if the sheer number of hours they work correlates with their success. However, this glorification of overwork is not only misleading but also harmful. The idea that sacrificing rest equals productivity has created a toxic work culture that values burnout over balance. In reality, sleep deprivation doesn’t breed brilliance—it blunts it. When leaders run on empty, their ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and lead with empathy erodes, leaving their organizations vulnerable to costly mistakes.

Studies have repeatedly shown that chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, reduces creativity, and heightens stress, all of which are critical to effective leadership. A tired brain struggles with problem-solving and can have difficulty regulating emotions, which are vital for handling high-pressure situations and leading a diverse team. So why do we continue to hold up the sleepless leader as the gold standard of success? A well-rested leader can see the bigger picture, make more innovative decisions, and build stronger, more resilient organizations.

Rest as a Competitive Advantage

What would happen if we started viewing sleep as a critical leadership skill, rather than a sign of weakness? When the brain is well-rested, it operates at peak performance, allowing for better decision-making, sharper focus, and enhanced creativity. When leaders prioritize rest, they gain a mental edge, which enables them to tackle complex challenges with clarity and confidence. In a world where agility and strategic foresight are paramount, well-rested leaders are far better equipped to pivot quickly and make thoughtful decisions that drive growth.

Leaders who prioritize their own well-being are often better at fostering a positive and productive work environment. When operating with a clear mind and balanced emotional state, they can approach interactions with empathy, patience and fairness. These qualities not only enhance leadership effectiveness but also build trust within teams. Employees are more likely to feel supported, valued and motivated under a leader who is fully present and engaged. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. When leaders model the importance of rest, it permits others to do the same, reducing workplace stress and increasing overall productivity. In essence, rest is not a weakness; it’s a strategic asset that allows leaders to sustain high levels of performance while maintaining the energy and clarity needed to inspire those around them.

How to Approach Rest as an Overachiever

For overachievers, rest can often feel like an indulgence, or worse, a form of laziness. The drive to excel, meet deadlines, and constantly outperform can make the idea of slowing down seem counterproductive. But here’s the paradox: those who push themselves the hardest are often the ones who need rest the most. Overachievers are accustomed to sprinting through projects and responsibilities, but leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. To maintain that high level of achievement, rest needs to be reframed not as a break from productivity, but as a key component of it. Instead of viewing rest as something that takes away from your momentum, what if you saw it as a way to recharge and sharpen your edge? Rest allows the brain to process, reflect and refuel, ultimately enabling you to reach even higher levels of performance.

The first step for overachievers is to redefine what rest means. It’s not about doing nothing or being unproductive; it’s about creating space for recovery and reflection. Start by scheduling rest just as intentionally as you schedule work. Whether it’s setting aside 10 minutes for mindfulness during the day or dedicating an entire evening to unplug, treating rest as a non-negotiable task helps ensure it becomes a consistent part of your routine. It’s also crucial to understand that rest doesn’t always have to be passive. For some, active rest—like a walk, engaging in a creative hobby or light exercise—can be just as restorative. The goal is to find what works for you and to integrate rest into your life in a way that supports your drive without undermining it.

From Hours Worked to Impact Made

The traditional notion of leadership success has long been measured by hours worked, but it’s not about grinding endlessly through long days, but about making every moment count.

The shift from measuring success in hours worked to impact made requires a fundamental change in how we view leadership. This redefinition of success also places a premium on balance, acknowledging that long-term achievement doesn’t come from pushing past exhaustion but from maintaining the mental and physical well-being that fuels consistent performance. By shifting the focus from hours logged to the quality of outcomes achieved, leaders can break free from the toxic cycle of overwork and instead cultivate a leadership style rooted in insight, resilience and strategic foresight.