Boost Your Leadership Skills in Your Spare Time

Speaking from personal experience, I can confirm that the absolute worst thing you can do is take your work home with you.

It stresses you out, annoys the people you love the most, and means you never switch off.

Despite this, I’m a firm believer that, as leaders, we can all improve our leadership skills immeasurably by making little tweaks to the way we live our lives outside of work.

Here’s how I boost my leadership skills in my spare time – without turning it into work!

I’m as productive at home as I am in the office.

If you don’t take productivity seriously as a leader, you won’t get very far.

Being efficient at work will inspire your team members to demolish their to-do lists every day, and I’ve found that by subtly changing my approach to home life, I become far more productive when sitting at my office desk.

On family outings, I’ll lead.

We’ve all been there: you head out for the day with family, and as nice as it is, there’s no real plan.

Sometimes, that works beautifully; but when I spot that people are getting a bit restless or the mood turns from one of relaxation to boredom, I take the lead.

I’ll suggest what we do next, inspire the group to get up and join me, and make the most of wherever we are.

Most of the time, it works a treat!

I’ll be first to the bar.

I’m not keen on that awkward moment when you’re in a group of people heading towards a bar and no one seems to make the first move.

A lesson I learned from my dad was to always be the first to the bar – whatever it costs. Make an impression, release the tension, and get that first round of drinks in.

This is subtle leadership – not showing off. It demonstrates to everyone that you can be in charge when things get uncomfortable, and it’s a great skill to have in the office, too.

I train hard.

I’m a bit of a gym addict; I hate it when I haven’t been and will move heaven and earth to make sure I get at least an hour a day in that hot, sweaty room.

I do this because it keeps me fit and healthy, but also because it awakens my mind and desire to get things done. As a result, regular gym visits have made the world of difference to the way I work.

I indulge in the things I love.

All work and no play definitely makes Jack a dull boy, which is why I never allow myself to forget what really matters.

Beyond friends and family, the hobbies you love should be regularly indulged in. This isn’t a way to develop leadership skills directly, but it’ll make you happy, and happy leaders are among the best.

We’re on this planet to have fun and enjoy ourselves – remember that.

I keep my house organised.

Truth be told, I can be a bit messy sometimes; but I value a clean house, clean desk, and – more importantly – clean mind.

That’s why I now keep my home as organised as possible. I’ve found that if I keep that place organised, my office, to-do list and the way in which I can lead a team improves significantly.

Wrapping up

Leading is hard, but if you make a concerted effort to build your leadership skills when the office door is closed, you’ll make life habits that will supercharge your career.