Leadership Series – Living A Life Of Play And Rest

One of the qualities that makes the accounting profession so successful is the seriousness with which we take our role in supporting companies and clients with their financial and accounting needs.  But while seriousness can be beneficial, it can also be detrimental when leading others.

It’s understandable that accountants tend to put off play and rest due to the deadline-driven culture we work and live in.  It can be challenging when there are boxes that haven’t been checked and things left on the ever-growing to-do list.

However, while it’s commendable to care so much about a job well done, it’s also important to not burn out in the process.  The reason most leaders resist play is because they think they, and those they lead, will fall behind if they aren’t seriously hard at work.  They think the time for play and rest is after the deadline has passed or the work is complete.

But the truth is that organizations that take breaks to rest and play are actually more productive, efficient, and creative when energy is maximized.  Research has also shown that despite how most people operate, firms whose employees rested for at least 30 minutes each day were up to 35% more productive.  

Even though rest and play are often considered luxuries that companies and firms can’t afford, numerous studies are actually showing that the opposite is true. Since people follow the tone of leadership, it’s important to set a supportive, less serious example, not only for those you lead, but for yourself as well.

As the accounting industry is experiencing right now, a self-imposed nose-to-the-grindstone culture will lead to higher levels of stress, guilt, employee burnout, and turnover.  By becoming a leader who values and encourages an atmosphere of play and joy within themselves, their organizations, and their families, they are able to create a high functioning, high achieving culture.

Living a life of play and rest takes commitment, but it’s a commitment worth making.  As the old saying goes, “No one on their deathbed ever wished they had worked more” – when you start incorporating more play and rest into your life and you support it in others, that’s when you can create an environment that people want to do their best.

Great leaders work hard but also live a life of play and rest – are you incorporating more play and rest in yours?

Let’s be honest – the world needs better leaders at work and at home.  Are you ready to become a better leader?

Source – “The 15 Commitments Of Conscious Leadership”