You walk in and are transformed to a relaxing place with white marble floors, statues, art, smooth paint colors. Then, you are greeted by young professionals looking supportive, ready to help solve one of many great struggles, lack of sleep.
So what does this have to do with leadership!? If we can’t sleep, we can’t recharge. If we don’t recharge, we can’t think straight. If we can’t think straight, we can’t achieve excellence. Without excellence, why would people want to follow us and help execute.
No sleep = Poor Leadership
My story is simple, I always snored. But, what did happen was a diagnosis of Grave’s Disease which put me on a course towards Thyroid removal and quarantine for 3 days…the quiet might have been the best part. Among other symptoms was weight gain (I didn’t have a thyroid to metabolize the now packed on, 30 lbs)…hence the enlarging of the throat, greatly reduced breathing/oxygen and, no sleep.
I’m sharing these details for a reason. I’m hoping to inspire at least one leader to move forward on their sleep issue(s). They told me that of the seven hours I was “sleeping” I got only one hour of real sleep. If this is happening to you, tossing and turning, gasping for air, waking up several times in the night, not feeling refreshed, sleeping/napping at inappropriate times or when given any opportunity…you might have sleep apnea and I would encourage you get it checked. [For anyone fearing a sleep study, don’t, I felt like I went into a hotel.]
1st Class Sleep Study was just that, top notch. After a second sleep study that was customized for me, I feel like a champ…Imagine how our leadership capacity can grow exponentially when we can get some number of hours that is closer to “normal.”
If we are willing to consider training, a 360 degree assessment, coaching and other professional development initiatives, why not assess sleep and it’s impact on our overall well being. And, by the way, our personal life gets better…increased tolerance level, increased problem solving, reduce anxiety and stress…every aspect of this is positive.
Sleep Well, Lead Better
Dave
David Gerber, President of Synergy Development and Training
