How CEOs Prioritise Recovery for Success

✍️ Coming up in today’s edition:

1. One quick win: Why building 15 mins of recovery is a non-negotiable for Fortune 500 executives

2. One proven system: How to avoid “stonewalling” in your communication style

3. One million-dollar question: what achievements would make your team excited

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1. HOW FORTUNE 500 EXECUTIVES MASTER PEAK PERFORMANCE

It is easy to get sucked into the modern-day hustle culture, especially if that’s the norm at your workplace.

However, if you want to be productive or a high achiever, then science has proven that you must set limits.

The performance load theory explains that the more tasks you have to complete above a certain point, the worse your performance.

This is why elite sprinters use the Law of Reversed Effort and aim for 85% not 100% output - check out the full deep dive in the “One For You” section of this edition.

If you don’t set boundaries on your time, work will consume every free moment. Downtime isn’t inefficient or wasteful; it’s essential for managing the unexpected events that inevitably arise.

So it’s important to ask yourself: How much unscheduled time do you have in your calendar to unwind and handle unexpected events?

Here is how Fortune 500 leaders schedule recovery time into their daily routine 👇

1. Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief for Vogue, starts her mornings at 5:45 a.m. with an hour-long tennis match.

2. John Fahey, Former National Geographic CEO, regularly invites his employees to join him on a daily afternoon bike ride.

3. Joel Gascoigne, Buffer CEO and co-founder, relaxes with a 20-minute walk in the evening to get exercise and disconnect from the daily grind.

4. Carol Smith, CRO for Harper’s Bazaar, comes into the office on Sunday for around 4 hours to tackle a lot of work without distractions, “...so when I come in on Monday, it’s like my vacation day.”

5. Stephen Gillett, former CIO of Starbucks, enjoys daily World of Warcraft so much that he has become a top Guild Master.

Build more recovery into your days and you'll stay at the top of your game for longer.

P.S. If you are curious like me, check out the full list of daily routines from 160 senior exec leaders from top Fortune 500 companies - check it out here.

2. THE MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION MODEL TO MAINTAIN TEAM MORALE WHEN DISAGREEING

When you work in a high-performing team, you’re likely to find yourself in disagreement at points. That’s not a huge problem if you know how to disagree constructively with everyone involved.

The key is to avoid “Stonewalling”.

This concept was first brought to life by Marshall Goldsmith in his book, “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There”.

He explains that high-level executives often undermine or put down their peers and team to make themselves feel smarter or more important.

The negative consequence is that this shuts down effective communication as they start to feel judged, unimportant, and threatened which leads to “stonewalling.”

(Have a look at this link to ensure you don’t display any other bad habits from the list of 20 in the book)

To prevent this from happening and overcome the tendency to disagree negatively, use the “Principle of Charity” communication model:

1. Re-express the other side’s position so clearly, vividly and fairly that they say “I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”

2. List any points of agreement to get the other side nodding

3. Mention anything you have learned from your target to build empathy

4. Only then should you state any rebuttals, criticism or suggested improvements to their way of thinking

Understanding and articulating the other person’s position helps you learn from the interaction and communicate in a way that maintains their sense of safety in your working relationship.

To further add to your toolbox, steal some of these tips from communication expert Kerry Patterson in her book Crucial Conversations:

1. Share facts: they are less controversial, more persuasive and less insulting than conclusions - start with them first

2. Tell your story: Explain the situation from your POV - avoid insults or judgment with your language so the other person feels safe

3. Ask for options: Find out the other person’s side of the situation - what were their intentions and what an ideal outcome would be

4. Talk tentatively: Avoid judgment, conclusions and ultimatums

5. Encourage testing: Offer suggestions, ask for input, and keep discussing until you reach a productive, mutually beneficial outcome

Becoming aware of your words and how they might be interpreted by people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences is a superpower when leading people.

3. WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS WOULD MAKE MY TEAM EXCITED?

This question stuck in my mind after watching The Deepest Breath on Netflix.

It is the story of a champion freediver and the team behind her breaking the World Record.

The inspiration, connection and ambition in that team were ever present.

There is also scientific evidence that suggests teams with higher levels of excitement and positive emotions perform better 👇

Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory shows us that positive emotions like excitement expand an individual's thinking, encouraging innovative ideas and solutions to challenges. Teams with positive emotions also recover quicker from setbacks, build better social bonds and are more committed to their work.

This begs the question for all of us…

What achievements would make your team really excited?

Ask them. Define them. Aim for them.

MY FAVOURITE FINDS 🔗

For your performance:

• How NBA star Jimmy Butler reframed his mindset on facing struggles (Link)

• 🎙️ Nico Rosberg and Former CEO of Lamborghini and current CEO of F1 discuss why personality is your greatest asset (Link)

For your team:

• Dr. Belbin’s “9 Team Roles” framework for building a high-performing team (Link)

• Manchester United Owner discusses why he kept Erik Ten Hag and why environment is more important for success than the coach (Link)

For your health:

• The 4-7-8 Method to fall asleep quickly (Link)

• Peter Attia (#1 longevity doctor) 10-step routine to living a longer and healthier life (Link)

Thanks!

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