In the high-stakes world of senior leadership, the relentless pursuit of excellence often overshadows the necessity of relaxation. However, the ability to unwind is crucial for enhancing creativity and job performance. This blog explores why relaxation matters, methods that senior executives can use, and how the 85% rule can lead to better leadership and innovative thinking.
The Importance of Relaxation for Senior Executives
The importance of relaxation for senior executives cannot be overstated. Relaxation reduces stress and anxiety, clearing the mind for better decision-making. It allows the subconscious to generate creative insights and reduces the risk of burnout, improving sleep and overall health. Relaxed leaders manage teams with empathy and resilience, making them stronger and more effective in their roles.
The 85% Rule: Optimising Effort for Peak Performance
The 85% rule, often used in elite athletics, holds valuable lessons for executives. Operating at 85% capacity often yields better results than pushing for 100%. Real-world examples, like nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, and research by Robert C. Wilson et al. (2019), show optimal performance occurs around 85% effort. For executives, this means maintaining high performance without sacrificing well-being.
Continuously using your full capacity is unsustainable, but 85% effort maintains performance without burnout, allows better control and reduces errors enabling a less pressured mind to make more strategic decisions.
Effective Relaxation Techniques for Senior Executives
Effective relaxation techniques for senior executives can range widely but many have some form of mindfulness or meditation, with only 10-15 minutes daily proven to reduce stress and improve concentration.
Physical activity, such as yoga, running , or anything else that gets your heartrate up, releases endorphins, enhancing mood and energy.
Engaging in creative hobbies like art, music, gardening, or cooking provides a mental break and stimulates creativity.
Regular breaks from digital devices can reduce information overload, and nature retreats can rejuvenate the mind and body.
What’s really important is finding what works for you and being consistent with it.
Applying the 85% Rule in the Workplace
Applying the 85% rule in the workplace involves performing tasks at 85% effort to maintain a steady pace and avoid excessive pressure. Refine workflows for efficiency without overexertion and create a positive work environment that values optimal effort over maximum effort, boosting productivity and fostering a healthier work environment.
Of course, there will be some days or week’s where you will need to be using 100% of your capabilities but this can only last so long before your body and mind force you to slow down.
Incorporating regular relaxation into senior executives’ routines is essential. It increased productivity by sustaining high productivity and energy, leads to better decision making as a less stress mind will have clearer thinking and a relaxed leader will connect better with their teams. By prioritising relaxation and adopting the 85% rule, leaders can achieve a balanced and sustainable approach to their demanding roles, driving both personal and organisational success.
To find out more about this topic, connect with @lewiscampbell
