The Best Leadership Decision I Made This Year Had Nothing to Do with Work

For years, I believed one of the greatest responsibilities of leadership was always being available.

Available for my team.

Available for physicians.

Available when the unexpected happened.

As leaders, we often convince ourselves that the work can't continue without us. There is always another meeting, another email, another decision waiting to be made.

Then I went to Jamaica.

One afternoon, I found myself sitting quietly by the ocean.

No laptop.

No meeting agenda.

No operational dashboards.

Just the sound of the waves.

And in that moment, something became incredibly clear.

The hospital was still caring for patients.

My team was still leading.

The work was still moving forward.

The only thing that changed...was me.

I came home with greater clarity, renewed energy, and a reminder that I'd almost forgotten.

Stepping away isn't abandoning your responsibilities. It's strengthening your ability to fulfill them.

We often encourage our teams to use their PTO because we know rest matters.

Somewhere along the way, many leaders convince themselves those same words don't apply to them.

I don't believe that's true.

Taking time to recharge isn't a sign that you're less committed to your work. It's an investment in your ability to lead with greater perspective, better judgment, and renewed purpose.

When I returned, my inbox was waiting.

The meetings were waiting.

The challenges were waiting.

But I returned as a better version of myself than when I left.

Maybe that's the real purpose of PTO.

Not to escape our work.

But to return ready to do it well.

Your organization doesn't simply need you present. It needs you at your best.

Leadership Reflection: When was the last time you stepped away long enough to return with a clearer mind and renewed purpose?