one of my coaching peeps asked recently for thoughts about growth practices of leaders. i did a little brainstorming while listening to others respond, and came up with this list (uncharacteristically, for me, all starting with the same letter!):

• Rhythm — some refer to this as balance; but i’m not a big fan of balance. i think the issue, instead, is sustainability. great leaders pursue a rhythm of work and non-work that leads to sustainability.
• Read — you know the saying, “Leaders are Readers.” read widely.
• Risk — there is no growth without risk.
• Renew — healthy leaders find meaningful pursuits that provide recalibration, refreshment and renewal.
• Reflect — great leaders make intentional time to reflect. this requires a discipline of slowing down (at times).
• Retreat — overlapping with some of the other practices on this list (particularly rhythm, renewal and reflection), growing leaders pull away for extended times on a regular basis. short bursts of renewal and reflection are great; but real growth also requires more extended retreat.

stop and consider which one of these you’re missing.