In today’s fast-paced work environment, the health of leaders isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a business imperative. Let’s explore how personal habits can influence professional outcomes.
Meet Sarah and John: Two Approaches to Leadership
Sarah, 45, an executive who enjoys long-distance cycling, plans her health and time meticulously. She books health appointments in advance and blocks her mornings for high-impact work without interruptions.
John, also 45, runs a small business. He’s always available, tackles emails first, and often feels busy but unproductive. His weekends are a mix of late nights and socializing, leaving him tired on Monday mornings.
From these snapshots:
• Who is more likely to be doing the RIGHT work, at the RIGHT time?
• Who shows up with more presence and purpose?
• Who is the better leader to their team?
While Sarah and John are hypothetical, their stories reflect real choices about planning, purpose, and self-discipline. Sarah’s habits set her up for success, while John’s reactive approach leaves him vulnerable to burnout- which does not bode well for good leadership!
HR issues? Or Health issues?
A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 90% of employees experiencing burnout cite a lack of leadership support for personal well-being. Employees with healthy habits aren’t disengaged or ‘quiet quitting.’ They are productive, present, and purpose-driven.
Empowering leaders & teams towards healthy habits for lasting change, yields huge economic benefits for businesses and individuals. Poor health costs Australian businesses $61 billion annually. A 20% reduction in the costs of work compensation equals approximately $12.4billion annually, while a 20% reduction in presenteeism would equate to approximately $7billion.
Introducing the VITAL Approach: Reclaiming 20% More Control
Using the VITAL tool, individuals can easily assess and identify areas for impactful changes to their health.
• Vitality: Are you energized or constantly drained? Are you aligned with your values and creating space for work that energizes you?
• Intake (Food/Hydration): Are you nourishing your body to thrive? Poor nutrition can sap energy and resilience.
• Thriving through Exercise: Regular movement boosts mood, energy, and overall health.
• Adaptability: How flexible are you with stress and change? Are your boundaries strong enough to support resilience?
• Leisure: Does your free time re-energize or drain you?
Healthy leaders, Strong Teams
As a leader, your behaviour sets the tone for your team. When you prioritise health, you show that it’s a business priority, not just a personal one. Start small—choose one area to improve your health by 20%, and watch how it transforms your leadership and your team’s success.
