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Achieving the right Work-Life Balance

Writer's picture: Pier MartinPier Martin

The typical advice for busy tech leaders trying to achieve work-life balance goes something like this: "Leave work at work. Unplug from your devices in the evenings. Take more vacations. Outsource more tasks. Hire ahead of demand."


While those tips are well-meaning, I've found them insufficient for the realities tech leaders face. The job is inherently constantly changing and our work and personal lives are inextricably linked in a unique way.


Now before you read on - I truly believe we need to create space for ourselves and disconnect completely from work but I'm also cognizant that it's not always possible everyday. Instead of fighting that constant connectivity, I prefer to reframe and embrace it through a more holistic approach:


  1. Integrate, Don't Separate - rather than barricading "work" and "life" into rigid silos, blend them seamlessly. Over the course of the day, I'll make sure to have both life and work blended together but always focussed only on one at a time.

  • Example - integrate tasks and activities fluidly such as going to the gym during the middle of the day or doing walking 1on1's which give me the activity, sun light and fresh air that helps energize me.

  1. Optimize for Energy, Not Time - it's impossible to achieve perfect work-life balance through sheer time management alone. The goal should be maximum energy cultivation. I work better at set times of the day and I work to optimize my energy to get more done in those moments.

  • Example: I know I have more focus in the morning so I block my calendar to do focus work or deep thinking in the morning and let my afternoons unfold with me in a much better space due to it.

  1. Redefine "Productivity" - tech leaders' value extends far beyond just checking boxes. Count quality family time, mental recovery, and emotional recharging as productive investments in yourself. This pays dividends over the longer term - a long term focus is key to our success.

  • Example: I block 30 mins in the middle of the afternoon (230-3pm) to give me a break from meetings and I use that to grab some water, meditate if needed, go for a walk if I've been stuck at a desk.

The conventional work-life balance advice is an oversimplification. As a tech leader, you're able to maximize both worlds by holistically merging them into one integrated, energizing way of life.


Give it a shot and see if this works for you.


If you want someone to help you navigate this piece or hold you accountable - reach out and let's chat!


✍️ Did I get this wrong or right?

♻️ Reshare if this applies to you!



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