Whether leading a business, leading a school, working within a government department, or coaching a sports team, the demands of leadership are universal. Across all sectors, we are asked to be present for our teams, manage crises, and maintain high levels of performance. But as leaders, we are often so focused on others that we neglect our own well-being. Yet, if we are to lead effectively and sustainably, we must remember one vital truth: leaders need to take time to dance.
Recently, after an intense period of work, we had the opportunity to step away and recharge. My partner and I took a much-needed break in the Maldives. While the location was idyllic, it wasn’t the destination that mattered most—it was the choice to embrace joy, to disconnect from the constant demands, and to reconnect with myself and those close to me. We danced, both literally and figuratively, and in that moment, I was reminded of the importance of taking time for well-being.
The lesson here applies to all leaders, regardless of industry. Whether you’re running a school, steering a business, guiding a government initiative, or coaching a sports team, the pressures are relentless. But without taking time for yourself, without those moments to “dance,” burnout is inevitable.
The reality is, leaders across every sector are working hard to navigate the unique challenges they face. In businesses, there are financial pressures, workforce dynamics, and the ever-present need for innovation. In schools, leaders grapple with evolving curricula, staff well-being, and student mental health. Government departments face the challenge of serving the public while managing resources effectively. In sports, coaches and managers work to create winning teams while also caring for athletes’ physical and mental well-being.
In each of these environments, we find leaders who are giving their all, but often at the expense of their own health and sustainability. The challenge, then, is not just about surviving in these roles but thriving—both for ourselves and for those we lead. The truth is, many of us are doing our best to keep things going, but not always in ways that truly support one another or ourselves.
If we are to create meaningful and lasting change, we must come together to foster a culture of open communication and proactive support. This begins with leaders setting the tone—leaders who not only acknowledge the challenges but also model a healthier way forward. Regardless of your sector, we must cultivate environments where everyone feels empowered to speak up, ask for help, and prioritise their well-being.
This is not just about setting up formal well being programs (though these are certainly important). It’s about fostering everyday habits and behaviours that demonstrate care and concern for the people we lead. Whether in a corporate boardroom, a school staffroom, a government office, or a sports locker room, leadership should feel supportive, not draining. And that support must be reciprocal. It’s about building spaces where people feel heard, valued, and able to ask for what they need without fear.
Empowering well-being means making it clear that everyone, from the CEO to the newest hire, from the principal to the first-year teacher, should feel comfortable seeking help when necessary. This culture of support needs to permeate every level of an organisation or team. The manager who feels overwhelmed by quarterly targets should feel as supported as the teacher struggling with a difficult class, or the coach trying to balance their athletes’ physical performance with their emotional well-being.
The notion that seeking help is a weakness must be turned on its head. Asking for help, stepping back when necessary, and prioritising self-care are signs of strength, not failure. Well-being should never be considered an afterthought—it must be foundational to how we lead and work.
We are at a pivotal moment in leadership across industries. The pressures of the current landscape require us to rethink how we approach leadership, performance, and well-being. Are we driving ourselves and our teams too hard? Are we focusing on short-term success at the expense of long-term sustainability?
It’s time to adopt a new mindset. This paradigm shift will require us to prioritise balance. Leadership should not be synonymous with burnout, exhaustion, or sacrifice. Leadership should be about finding joy in the work, balancing intensity with rest, and setting an example of well-being for those around us.
Taking time to dance is a metaphor for allowing ourselves the space to breathe, reflect, and recharge. While I was fortunate enough to experience the literal dance of joy on a beach in the Maldives, this concept applies to all of us, in all sectors. You don’t need a tropical island to embrace this idea. It could be as simple as taking a walk in the park, sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, or spending quality time with loved ones without distractions.
Whatever form it takes, taking time to dance means giving yourself permission to embrace moments of joy and rest. It means recognising that self-care is essential to leading effectively. When we embrace this dance, we return to our roles with renewed energy and creativity. We show up for our teams, our businesses, our schools, our government departments, or our sports teams as the leaders they need us to be—present, focused, and fully engaged.
As you continue in your leadership role, remember this: no matter how pressing the deadlines, no matter how great the responsibilities, you must take time to dance. Whether in business, education, government, or sports, leadership is a journey that requires balance, joy, and well-being. And when you take time to dance, you’re not just taking care of yourself—you’re setting an example for everyone around you.
So, take time to dance, my friend. Your well-being and the well-being of those you lead depend on it.