Step Back to Leap Forward: Why Disconnecting is a Strength, Not a Weakness

The clock struck midnight, and as laughter and cheers echoed around, people embraced warmly, exchanging heartfelt wishes for the New Year. Amid the celebration, my friend Ashwin leaned in with a glass of sparkling wine and said something that stayed with me: “You know, this year, I’m going to try something different. I’m going to disconnect more often -not just from my phone but from everything. It’s time I learned to step back and reset.”

His words caught me off guard. Ashwin is one of the busiest professionals I know- a CEO running a successful tech startup. But here he was, on New Year’s Eve, talking about stepping back. Curious, I asked, “Why now?”

He smiled, “Because I’ve realised that being always on doesn’t make me more productive. It just makes me tired. When I step back, I come back stronger, with better ideas and sharper focus.”

Why Leaders Need to Disconnect

Ashwin’s words were a reminder of an often-overlooked truth: leadership isn’t about being constantly available - it’s about being effective. And effectiveness requires clarity, creativity, and resilience, which are impossible to sustain without moments of intentional disconnection.

Reflection breeds strategy. : When leaders are perpetually consumed by the demands of their roles, they lose the ability to see the bigger picture. Ashwin shared how, during one of his “disconnect days,” he realised his company was chasing trends rather than setting them—a pivotal insight that helped realign his team’s vision.

Recharging builds resilience: Leaders who don’t take time to recharge risk burning out. Ashwin’s experience echoes that of Arianna Huffington, who famously collapsed from exhaustion early in her career. That incident led her to rethink her approach to work-life balance, ultimately shaping the philosophy behind her wellness empire, Thrive Global.

Perspective requires distance. When you’re too close to a problem, you lose perspective. It’s like staring at a painting from an inch away—you can’t appreciate the art until you step back. Disconnection creates the distance needed to approach challenges with fresh eyes and renewed energy.

The Science Behind Stepping Back

The benefits of disconnecting are not just anecdotal; my research on the subject says that they’re rooted in neuroscience. When the brain enters a state of rest, it activates the default mode network, allowing for deeper problem-solving and creativity. Research has also shown that breaks improve focus, enhance memory, and even boost emotional regulation.

Leaders like Ashwin and Arianna aren’t alone in leveraging this science. Bill Gates has his “think week,” where he retreats to a cabin with stacks of books to read and reflect. Some of his most transformative ideas for Microsoft were born during these solitary weeks.

For many leaders, the idea of disconnecting can feel uncomfortable or even irresponsible. But consider this: your role as a leader is to guide, inspire, and make decisions—not to be a 24/7 problem-solver. Here’s how to make disconnection work for you:

1.??? Set clear expectations. Co1. Setate your offline periods to your team and empower them to make decisions in your absence. Trust breeds competence.

2.?Create rituals for disconnection.? Schedule time to disconnect, such as a tech-free Sunday, a solo walk in the park, or a meditation retreat.

3.? Delegate effectively.? Ensure your team knows its responsibilities and can handle tasks without constant input. Delegation is not only practical but also empowering.

4.?Reframe disconnection as a strategy.?Disconnecting doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities; it means prioritising your long-term impact.

More Real-Life Examples

Steve Jobs was known for his long walks, which he used to think deeply and creatively. His biographer, Walter Isaacson, highlighted how many of Jobs’ most groundbreaking ideas, including the iPhone, were born during these solitary strolls.

Closer to home, Ratan Tata often took time away from the spotlight to reflect and strategize. During his tenure as Chairman of Tata Group, he once shared how a weekend away from the office helped him decide to launch the Nano - a car that would revolutionise the market for affordable vehicles in India.

Even the Dalai Lama emphasises the power of stepping away. His daily practice of meditation and silence isn’t just about spirituality; it’s about cultivating the clarity needed to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Disconnecting is a Strength, Not Weakness

The modern world glorifies busyness. Leaders are expected to be perpetually available, juggling calls, emails, and decisions. But here’s the paradox: the leaders who make the most significant impact are often those who know when to step back.

Ashwin’s New Year’s resolution brought to mind an important truth: disconnecting isn't an escape from responsibilities; rather, it allows you to approach them with fresh energy, focus, and clarity.

So, as you dive into the hustle of this year, remember that it’s okay to step back. Take that weekend off, power down your devices, and spend some time with your thoughts. Because when you return, you won’t just be back- you'll be better.

Closing Thoughts

Leadership isn’t about being constantly present; it’s about being purposefully effective. To lead well, you must care for yourself just as much as you care for your team and your goals. Disconnecting isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom.

So, go ahead. Turn off the noise, take a walk, or sit in silence. And remember, every great leader knows that stepping back is sometimes the best way to leap forward