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As leaders, we’re always busy. Always on the go, juggling goals and priorities on a daily basis.

In the early days of your leadership role, the motivation and passion for your job carries you through. Over time, this motivation can start to wane. Leaving you wondering if this is really the right role for you.

In my role as an executive coach, I see so many senior leaders who feel adrift, lacking motivation and feeling overwhelmed at the work they need to do.

If you’re feeling like this, you’re certainly not alone.

What I find works particularly well with my clients who feel like this, is to introduce them to the three ‘R’s: Reflect, Recharge, Refocus.

Using this three-step method, my clients are able to rediscover their motivation and passion for their leadership role.

Reflect

Reflection is a great way to identify what’s working for you, and what’s not. Once you identify which tasks are draining your motivation, and which ones are feeding it – you can concentrate on doing more of what energises you.

A common objection I come across is that clients don’t feel they have the time to devote to regular reflection.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours navel-gazing to gain the benefits of reflective practice. Just set a timer for three minutes and ask yourself the following three questions:

• On a scale of 1-10, how do you think you performed/delivered?
• What do you think you did well?
• What do you think you need to do differently?

Allow one minute per question, and then move on.

Recharge

You can’t pour from an empty vessel. In order to be an effective leader, you need to take some time to put yourself first. If you don’t make self-care a priority you’ll eventually become tired, burned-out and less effective.

The problem is, when we run out of motivation we begin to rely on sheer determination to push through and get things done. It eventually leaves you exhausted, stressed and feeling overwhelmed.

By taking some time out for yourself, you’re able to recharge your batteries and tackling your to-do list becomes a lot less daunting.

Don’t fall into the trap of checking emails until late at night, and squeezing work into every available minute you have. Set time aside for yourself and protect that time fiercely.

It doesn’t have to be a large chunk of time. A brisk walk for twenty minutes each lunchtime, or an evening exercise class a few times a week could be enough to make a big difference to your energy and motivation levels.

Whatever you choose to do with your ‘recharge’ time, make sure that it’s something that leaves you feeling energised and refreshed. Share on X

Refocus

The refocus component of the three ‘R’s is where you get to really reignite your passion for your role. You’ve put in the effort to reflect on what’s working, and you’ve taken time to recharge your batteries.

Now it’s time to use that energy towards doing more of what works for you.

Refocusing involves asking yourself some questions about where you currently spend your time and deciding if and where that time can be redirected. It’s about more than prioritising. The goal here isn’t to identify what’s urgent or important. It’s to identify which tasks you find energising and uplifting and then work out how you can make more time for those tasks.

Refocusing is also about revisiting your existing goals. Often, our priorities shift subtly over time with our own changing needs as well as the changing needs of the business. Goals that made perfect sense six months ago may not be so valuable now.

Ask yourself these questions,

• Do the things you spend your time on make you feel motivated and energised? Or are they draining your energy and motivation?
• Can you stop doing the things that drain you, or reduce how much time you spend?
• Are your goals still aligned with your priorities? Can you revisit and amend them?
• Is your time being spent on the things that really matter?
• Do you feel in control of your journey? If not, how can you regain control?

 

Getting into the habit of reflecting, recharging and refocusing can help you rediscover the motivation, focus, and resilience you need to be an effective leader.

As an executive coach, I help senior leaders develop the resilience and focus they need to get results. Ready to take the next step towards staying motivated and effective in your leadership role? Why not get in touch today to discuss how I can help?

You can also download my checklist: How to be a great leader: 10 steps to improve your performance at work.

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