The Fine Line Between Problems to Solve and Tensions to Manage:

A Leadership Perspective on Work-Life Balance

In leadership, business, and life, there’s a critical skill that often gets overlooked—the ability to discern what is a problem to solve and what is a tension to manage. Recognizing the difference is essential for leaders who want to find sustainable success both in their careers and personal lives.?

Problems to Solve: The Simpler Tasks?

Problems to solve are typically straightforward and require dedicated time and focus. Whether it’s tackling sales figures, refining processes, or addressing staffing needs, these are concrete issues that can be resolved with a clear plan of action. You can allocate resources, create solutions, and then move on. Simple, right??

But in leadership, not everything can be fixed with a simple solution.?

Tensions to Manage: The Real Leadership Challenge?

There’s a different category of challenges leaders face—tensions that need to be managed. These are not problems you can "solve" in the traditional sense. Instead, they are ongoing forces that require balance and understanding. One of the most common tensions many leaders deal with is the delicate balance between work and family life.?

I've encountered countless business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who have faced the heartbreaking consequences of neglecting their personal lives for the sake of growing their businesses. Many times, these individuals found themselves isolated, working late hours, and even facing divorce. At the root of these struggles is often the same issue: the prioritization of work over family.?

In the pursuit of building a business—whether driven by passion, the need for success, or simply the desire to make a greater impact—time for family can easily slip away. For some, it starts with the excitement of a new venture or project, but over time, this enthusiasm can unintentionally lead to a widening gap between personal life and work.?

The impact of this tension can be amplified when time is at a premium, making family issues seem more pressing while professional demands continue to grow. Leaders often find themselves caught in a cycle where business needs pull them away from home, and personal life demands require more attention than they can give. This tug-of-war can easily spiral into burnout if not managed properly.?

Managing the Tension: Boundaries and Communication?

Here’s where effective leadership truly comes into play. It’s important to recognize that, while problems can be solved with the right approach, tensions require constant navigation.?

One of the most valuable things a leader can do is establish clear boundaries. Taking time off to recharge isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Leaders must encourage themselves and their teams to take breaks, honour personal time, and communicate openly about the challenges of balancing work with life.?

I also recommend open communication with your family and your team. Everyone involved should have a clear understanding of the most demanding times of the year, be it due to travel, big projects, or personal commitments. Planning ahead and setting expectations helps manage the tension more effectively and reduces unnecessary strain.?

A Call to Action for Leaders?

Leaders, I encourage you to reflect on the balance between your professional commitments and personal life. Are you currently managing tension or solving problems? Are you letting business demands overshadow personal priorities??

As you lead, remember that the most impactful decisions often aren’t about fixing problems—they’re about managing the inevitable tensions that come with leadership. Stay proactive, set boundaries, and most importantly, communicate openly to ensure you’re not only leading your team successfully but also maintaining a healthy work-life balance for yourself and your loved ones.?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!