Being a leader can be incredibly rewarding—but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. You’re responsible for big decisions, guiding your team, and keeping things running smoothly, all while trying to stay motivated yourself. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of stress, burnout, and pressure to constantly do more.
But what if leadership didn’t have to feel so heavy? What if you could actually enjoy being a leader while helping your team grow and succeed?
The best leaders don’t just focus on results—they bring energy, connection, and yes, even joy, into their roles. Here’s how you can shift your mindset and start leading in a way that feels more fulfilling.
1. Focus on Growth, Not Just Goals
Many leaders are driven by outcomes—hitting numbers, finishing projects, checking things off the list. And while results are important, leadership is about more than just meeting deadlines. The real magic happens when you shift your focus to growth.
Instead of only measuring success in deliverables, take time to notice how your team is evolving. Are they learning new skills? Becoming more confident? Taking on challenges with enthusiasm? Do they seem comfortable when approaching you? Seeing the people around you grow is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.
Your own growth matters, too! Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and the best leaders are always learning and evolving right alongside their teams.
2. Stay Connected, Even at the Top
Leadership can feel lonely. As you move up, your circle tends to shrink. You may feel like you can’t vent the way you used to, and there are fewer people to turn to for advice.
But just because you’re in a leadership role doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own. Having a trusted network of peers, mentors, or even fellow leaders outside of your workplace can make all the difference.
Creating spaces for real conversations about leadership—where people can be honest about the struggles, not just the wins—helps to break that isolation. Because even the strongest leaders need support.
3. Take Care of Yourself (Seriously)
Let’s talk about burnout. It’s no secret that leaders are often the last ones to take breaks. You push through exhaustion, keep saying “yes” to more responsibilities, and put your own well-being on the back burner because, well, that’s just part of the job, right?
Not exactly.
The truth is, burnout doesn’t make you a better leader—it makes you less effective. A tired, stressed-out leader isn’t bringing their best self to the table.
Self-care as a leader doesn’t have to mean extravagant vacations or month long meditation retreats (although those are great too!). It can be as simple as:
- Stepping away from work emails after hours
- Taking a real lunch break instead of eating at your desk
- Delegating tasks instead of carrying everything yourself
- Making time for hobbies that have nothing to do with work
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Because when you’re energized and at your best, you can show up as the leader your team actually needs.
4. Redefine Leadership with Joy
We tend to think of leadership as a serious, high-stakes responsibility—and while it is important, that doesn’t mean it has to be all stress and no fun.
The best leaders bring joy into the workplace. They create environments where people feel supported, engaged, and excited to show up. They celebrate wins, create opportunities for laughter, and remind their teams (and themselves!) that work can be enjoyable.
So, how do you start leading with joy?
- Recognize and celebrate wins (big and small)
- Encourage a culture of appreciation—a simple “thank you” goes a long way
- Make space for connection—whether it’s team lunches, check-ins, or just taking a moment to ask someone how they’re really doing
- Lead by example—your energy sets the tone, so if you want a positive work environment, it starts with you
Feeling Ready to Recharge?
If you’re looking for a chance to step back, refocus, and bring more joy into your leadership, we’ve got something just for you.
Join us at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, PA, on May 5th-6th for our 2025 Leadership Retreat: Leading with Joy – A Retreat for Purposeful Growth.
Two days of inspiration, connection, relaxation, and real strategies to help you lead with confidence and joy.
[Click here to register!] https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leading-with-joy-tickets-1137857134319?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Because leadership should feel fulfilling, not just demanding.