Is Your Mindset Ready for Summer? The Leadership Reset We All Need
- Magdalena Zbyszynska
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
With summer on the horizon, numerous professionals and leaders encounter a subtle dilemma: Should we take a break or intensify our efforts?
We frequently discuss performance, productivity, and engagement. However, we seldom pose a quieter, yet crucial question: Are we allowing time for recovery and reflection?
The Season of Reconnection
Summer offers more than just vacation time - it offers a natural invitation to reset. This season, characterized by longer days, warmer weather, and a more relaxed atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for introspection and rejuvenation. It’s a time when nature itself seems to encourage us to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the world around us. However, in the fast-paced realm of leadership, this concept of taking a step back can feel counterintuitive and even uncomfortable.
We often find ourselves entrenched in a mindset where productivity is synonymous with success. We’re conditioned to lead through output, constantly striving to meet targets, push our teams to excel, and deliver results that reflect our hard work and dedication. In this relentless pursuit of achievement, the idea of pausing can seem like a luxury we cannot afford. But here's the truth: sustainable leadership isn't about constant acceleration. It’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and re-align. This ability to step back and evaluate our direction is crucial for long-term success.
When leaders take the time to pause, they create space for creativity and innovation to flourish. This reflective practice allows them to assess their goals, the dynamics within their teams, and the overall health of their organization. By stepping away from the daily grind, leaders can gain:
fresh perspectives,
identify potential pitfalls,
and recalibrate their strategies to better align with their vision.
Moreover, this practice of reflection is not just beneficial for leaders themselves; it also sets a powerful example for their teams. When employees observe their leaders taking the time to reflect, it sends a message that:
it’s okay to slow down,
to think critically about one’s work,
and to prioritize mental well-being.
The Leadership Reset We All Need
In a world where hustle culture often glorifies busyness, embracing the idea of a seasonal reset can be transformative. It encourages leaders to cultivate an environment where thoughtful consideration and strategic planning are valued as much as immediate results. As we navigate through the complexities of leadership, let us remember that the most effective leaders are not just those who can push through challenges at breakneck speed, but those who can also recognize the importance of taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and adjust their course when necessary. Thus, this summer, let us all embrace this natural invitation to reset, understanding that in doing so, we not only enhance our own leadership capabilities but also foster a healthier, more productive workplace culture for everyone involved.
The Cost of Constant Motion
Studies show that overwork leads to decision fatigue, reduced creativity, and emotional reactivity. According to the American Psychological Association, burnout-related symptoms decrease by up to 60% after intentional periods of rest and recovery.
Still, too many of us see rest as a reward - not a requirement.
We lead teams through growth phases, but we often fail to mirror those phases in our own inner cycle.
So I invite you to ask yourself:
Is your team’s busyness a sign of productivity - or disorganization?
Are your processes supporting self-led progress - or dependent on your availability?
Is your calendar full… or fulfilling?
Mindset Shift: Leading with Space, Not Just Speed
If you feel the mid-year stretch, you’re not alone.
This season offers a critical checkpoint to assess not just how we’re performing, but how we’re leading. Not just how full our days are - but how aligned they are with what truly matters. And here's where intentional leadership comes in. When we integrate time to:
Reflect on direction
Reconnect with our emotional clarity
Rewire the way we show up daily...
We don’t just lead better. We lead from a place of energy, not depletion.
Leadership Begins with Awareness
This month, I’ve launched my “30 Days of Self-Leadership” video series, inviting professionals to rethink how they show up - starting with awareness, ownership, and alignment. One simple truth keeps coming back:
You cannot lead others until you learn to lead yourself.
And that begins with the mindset - not the strategy.
Your Leadership Reflection
Ask yourself: Am I leading from fullness or from fatigue? Your answer might be the most important leadership insight you’ll gain all summer. Here’s to choosing space - not just speed. To connection - not just KPIs. To leading from intention. The Leadership Reset We All Need.
Your Mid-Year Leadership Self Check is available here: https://forms.gle/PMcNRu2RtXRSjcSo7
And have a wonderful Summer Break 🍀😎
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