To be a Better Leader Stop Thinking About work after Hours!!

July 5, 2024 Remy E. Jennings, Allison S. Gabriel, and Klodiana Lanaj

In this article the authors discuss that it has become a habit for managers to continue
thinking about their job, even after the official work hours are over. This may involve contemplating about
an issue with an employee, trying to think of a solution for a project escalation, or creating a mental to-do
list for the next day. But the authors point out that new research shows that this tendency may not be
beneficial, particularly for people new to a leadership role. In fact, constant over thinking leads managers to
be more depleted and less able to show up as leaders.
Let us see some of the research articles pointed out by the authors. There was a 10 day diary study
that was conducted with 73 leaders and an employee who directly reported to the leader. Each morning the
leaders were asked how detached they were the night before from work and how energized they felt during
the workday and how they much they could deliver as a leader.
Interestingly the research showed when leaders detached from their work in the evenings, they felt
more recharged the next day, which helped them to play the leadership role effectively. On the other hand,
on days when leaders continued thinking about work in the evening, they felt more drained the next
morning, hindering their ability to play the leadership role effectively.
Basis this research the authors suggest the following tips below to become better leaders:

1. Remember to Unwind after work – The authors insist that it is important for leaders to find ways to
unwind from their responsibilities after work. Leaders tend to overwork and feel the need to always
be available, but research shows negative effects of over working. Whether it is mastering a new
hobby, exercising, spending time with loved ones, or simply reading a book to relax, leaders may be
wise to find activities that they enjoy in the evening to turn their thoughts away from work
2. Establish boundaries between work and home – The authors emphasize the need to establish
mental boundaries between work and home, especially for new leaders. Leaders tend to influence
the communication norms for their teams, so clearly delineating one’s hours of availability to one’s
employees may be helpful in ensuring adequate time each day to recover after work. The author
point out that as per research inexperienced leaders are rated as more effective by their followers
when they refrain from worrying about work in the evenings because they are more recharged and
well connected to their leader role the next day.
3. Use recovery time to combat depletion and enhance your identity as a leader – The authors
also suggest that leaders should be cognizant of how they spend their non-work time because
people need energy and motivation to connect with their work roles each day. Barring emergencies,
when at home the authors suggest that they need to disconnect from leadership responsibilities and
recharge by engaging in family or leisure activities.
In total, the authors conclude that corporate work counters the notion that leaders need to stay
connected to their work at all hours to perform well in the eyes of their employees. Instead, the authors
prove otherwise that we find that unwinding from work at the end of the day plays a key role in developing
successful leaders.