When Leaders Prioritize Health, Everyone Thrives

Years ago, I would have just "pushed through" the discomfort of a headache and sick feeling I had to "keep on keeping on," while ignoring the signals my body was sending me. But today, thanks to Oura and my Apple Watch, I've become wiser. I understand the importance of paying attention to my body's needs because that's what helps me recover faster and lead stronger.

While I take care of myself, I rely on the systems we've put in place to hand off work to my team. They take over meetings and coordinate projects. It's a win-win because everybody grows. You prioritize your well-being and everyone else gets to step up using their leadership skills.

I'm currently quarantining myself and even slept in a different bed last night to protect Shankar Poncelet, President of Growth Academy. I recognize the responsibility I have in keeping him well as he teams up with our extraordinary founder, visionary strategist, and powerhouse think-tank, Shanee Moret, to go live the rest of this week in a masterclass on LinkedIn newsletters at https://YouGrow.Club.

I'm going to keep it real because I know there are leaders who choose to hide that they're sick, which I think is erroneous (unless you're live or giving some sort of presentation). Transparency in leadership isn't weakness. It's crucial because it sets an example for your team to prioritize their health and well-being. It fosters a culture of openness and support, where everyone feels comfortable taking care of themselves without fear of judgment.

Here are some insights from Oura and my Apple Watch that guided me to take this approach:

1. Resting Heart Rate (RHR): My resting heart rate was elevated at 84 bpm. An elevated RHR can indicate stress or overexertion. Paying attention to this helps you know when to slow down and rest.
2. Heart Rate Variability (HRV): My HRV balance was fair. HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats and is a good indicator of stress and recovery. Lower HRV can signal that our bodies are under stress and need relaxation.
3. Body Temperature: My body temperature was up by +2.3°F. Sudden increases in body temperature can indicate that the body is fighting off something or reacting to stress. This was a huge cue for me to rest and take care of myself.
4. Daytime Recovery and Stress Load: My daytime recovery was fair, and my daytime stress load was high. This shows the importance of managing stress and ensuring adequate rest throughout the day.
5. Sleep Quality: Although my sleep quality was good, it was only because I got an alert from my Apple Watch last night about my elevated heart rate while inactive, prompting me to take immediate action.
6. Sleep Regularity and Balance: Both were optimal. Consistent sleep patterns lead to better overall health. I aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to maintain this regularity.
7. Previous Day Activity: This was optimal as well. Reflecting on my activity levels helps me adjust based on how my body feels today.

When you listen to your body and use these insights, you can take proactive steps to maintain your health and well-being. Remember, everybody grows when you take care of yourself.

By the way, I'm COO of Growth Academy. Sign up for updates, insights, and challenges to grow your brand on LinkedIn at YouGrow.Club. Feel free to share this reflection and join the conversation in the comments.