Why Rest is a Leadership Strategy: Slow Down to Lead Better
A Slower Pace (and a Smarter One)
I'm writing this from Lake Tahoe, where the mornings are crisp, the lake is stunning, and the pace is… not mine. And that’s kind of the point.
This is the first real post I’ve written under the Good Smart Funny name—and honestly, it feels like the right moment to start something new. I’m rested, reflective, and maybe a little sunburned.
Tiny Shifts, Big Impact
Last week, I did something wild: I finished an entire novel. Not an audiobook multitasked through school drop-offs, but an actual book—with paper pages and no interruptions.
This week, I’ve been making one perfect cup of coffee each morning (not three), and even making the bed before leaving the cabin (which I never do). Tiny habits, sure—but they’ve been shifting something in me.
Rest is doing its job.
What Rest Really Gives You (As a Leader + Human)
When I’m well-rested, I notice I’m more patient. I’m curious instead of reactive. My kids (5 and 8) have been a chorus of “Can I help you, Mama?”—and instead of sighing and rushing through dinner prep or daily logistics, I’ve had the space to say, “Sure. Come help.”
That space—mental, emotional, even spiritual—is what rest gives us. And it reminded me of something I see in leadership all the time:
When we’re tapped out, it feels easier to just do it ourselves.
Faster. Cleaner. Less messy.
But when we don’t make space—for our teams, our kids, our people—we miss the moments that build trust, skill, and confidence.
Rushing Robs People of the Chance to Grow
Empowering someone else to lead takes time. So does letting someone “help” in a way that’s not your way. And none of that is available to us when we’re running on fumes.
Because let’s be honest—when we’re over-functioning, overstimulated, and over it, we’re not showing up as the version of ourselves we’re proud of.
The one who slows down enough to teach.
To include.
To empower.
Whether it’s your kids or your team, the truth is this:
Rushing robs people of the chance to grow.
A Leadership Strategy You Might Not Expect
So here’s your permission slip:
To rest.
To say no.
To read a book just because.
To leave your bed a little tidier—even if your inbox isn’t.
Rest isn’t indulgent. It’s intelligent.
It’s not quitting—it’s preparing.
And sometimes, it starts with just one little ritual that gives you some zen.
Tiny Leadership Tip
If you’re leading a team and hear yourself thinking:
“It’s just easier if I do it,”
Try pausing to ask:
What’s the cost of “easier” here?
What could grow if I stepped back instead of stepping in?
A Free Tool to Help You Lead from Your Values
PS – For your next quiet moment:
I recently released a free tool to help you behavioralize your values—aka, turn your lofty ideals into real-life, coachable actions. If you missed it on Instagram, you can download it here.
Final Thought: Rest is a Strategy
Whether you're running a business, leading a team, raising humans—or all three—remember:
You don’t have to earn rest.
You just have to give yourself permission to take it.
Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re here.
—Kate