As a student, we did all nighters’ to complete our assignments or prepare for exams. We also did all nighters’ to have fun- but this isn’t the topic for this time. Let’s focus on the sleepless nights for a tangible outcome.
Mostly, in corporate life, we don’t do all nighters’. Mostly, we do long days, rarely we do all night as planning and preparation is key to avoid taking individuals away from their families and home life. There are times we need to be awake all night whether in the middle of a very important client facing event or final stage negotiations, or because we are really enjoying what we are doing and want to finish it off without disrupting your trail of thought. The first question we need to ask ourselves is;
- Do we need to have this sleepless night? If not, please avoid it as sleep is mandatory for good health, and to be a good leader that empowers their team on positive wellbeing, it’s important to show a good example that other’s can replicate.
- If yes, can I fully function the next day at the right capacity to make decisions? Now this is an interesting one as many leadership decisions immediately impact people or the customer. One of the most important things is being able to think openly and rationally.
It’s very rare with a lack of sleep that we can make good, strong decisions. If you have prepared ahead of time, then go and have that sleepless night working on your favourite project. If you are unprepared fully for the next day, consider whether you can postpone some key activities to get some rest time back- this is how flexible working could suit your team.
As a parent or someone with caring responsibilities, we all know how we feel without adequate sleep. We reach for the caffeine or we sit there with groggy eyes, sometimes saying things we regret to family members. Being in a corporate environment doesn’t give you that family safe space to resent the rest your partner may have had if you have been up all night and they have snoozed soundly. Snapping at your team as a leader is not cool.
Some people don’t need as much sleep. If you are one of these people, you are rare. As a new leader in your first 90 days in role, consider the impression you will give to your new team if you are short or constantly sleepy without the energy and buzz you can create a dynamic working environment just by your presence.
Have you experienced this? Let me know if I can help you with embedding yourself into a new leadership role and making it work for you. Visit the contact us page for more information.
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