Taking good care of oneself as a leader

In the LUMINLUCID Leadership Impulse “Taking good care of oneself as a leader”, Dr. Rolf Specht explores the essential role of self-leadership and self-care in the daily life of a leader. He emphasizes that self-care is not an optional add-on but a fundamental prerequisite for long-term performance, efficiency, and personal fulfillment.
Many leaders underestimate the impact of their own well-being on their effectiveness. Often, their self-worth is measured by their output and achievements, while personal health and mental clarity are neglected. However, sustainable success is only possible when priorities are consciously set, resources are strategically managed, and energy is actively regulated. The goal is not maximum efficiency at any cost but rather a thoughtful balance between performance and regeneration.

Rolf highlights that self-care is not achieved through simple time management techniques alone. The key lies in one’s mindset: those who do not perceive themselves as valuable will struggle to implement lasting change. Clear goal-setting and strategic planning are essential to prevent being controlled by external demands. Only those who structure their time effectively and create space for reflection can increase their productivity without depleting themselves.

A core concept of this impulse is the conscious structuring of time and the quality of each hour. Leaders are responsible for how they use their time. Distractions, multitasking, and inefficient work habits reduce focus and diminish overall effectiveness. Rolf advocates for mindful work practices, emphasizing deep focus, intentional recovery periods, and setting clear priorities to maintain long-term success.

Achieving the right balance between work, personal life, and recovery is a crucial factor in fulfilling personal needs and achieving life satisfaction. Over-investing in work can lead to social isolation and burnout. Maintaining balance requires active management, clear boundaries, and a strict commitment to recovery periods. Without deliberate structures in place, leaders risk falling into a state of constant external pressure, significantly impacting both efficiency and quality of life.

An essential factor for effective leadership is establishing structured routines. Well-defined practices for starting and ending the workday, taking breaks, and planning weekends create stability, enhance control over time and energy, and promote resilience. Leaders who strategically design their daily schedule safeguard their mental and physical performance.

A frequently overlooked yet powerful lever for greater efficiency is meeting optimization. Without structure, meetings become time-draining distractions—but with the right approach, they can be transformed into valuable strategic tools. A proven concept for this is the PEF principle: Preparation, Execution, Follow-up. Leaders who carefully prepare, conduct meetings efficiently, and follow up systematically minimize time waste and maximize value. This structured approach turns meetings into effective decision-making and steering tools rather than mere obligations with little tangible outcome.

With this Leadership Impulse, Dr. Rolf Specht demonstrates how conscious self-care strengthens personal performance and enhances leadership effectiveness. Through proven insights and practical strategies, he provides valuable guidance for managing personal resources with awareness—leading to greater confidence and sustained success in leadership.