5 Questions to Empower Your Leaders on Work-Life Balance

Most people you serve don’t suffer from laziness.

Your people live life in the margins. When push comes to shove, they sacrifice their health (spiritual, mental, physical) in their efforts to lead well. Yet taking care of ourselves well is imperative if we aim to make any sort of impact in leading, shepherding, or empowering others in the way of Jesus.

Have you ever looked across the desk, or table, or screen, and wondered about the condition of your leader’s spiritual life, their emotional health, their physical condition, and, while coaching them, entertained a separate conversation in your head about how you could help them gain more traction in those areas? Have you thought that if they made just a few micro-changes in nuanced ways, they could thrive in both their professional and personal life?

This is the time of year when people are thinking about these kinds of aspirations. Realistically, the good intentions that your people have in January begin to lose the feel-good sensation in February. In March, sputter. And, let’s face it: by summer, they are all but forgotten

How can I help leaders move good intentions into actions that result in deep change?

We want to support our leaders as they envision the year ahead. Ask a series of questions to help them reflect on the primary areas of life – spiritual, emotional, physical. Expand it to social, financial, and recreational. Whatever, or whatever fits their specific situation. Be prepared! Some of your leaders will share personal struggles they face and problems they want and need to confront. This is where careful, non-judgmental listening and asking powerful questions can do the heavy lifting. Resist the temptation to give advice, and finish by asking about important areas they want to change. Then move into a more focused planning conversation to flesh out a plan. The Achilles Heel of moving good intentions to action is some form of support by way of accountability. Ask your leaders to pursue an accountable relationship that will keep them on track. The more you can get out of the role of “accountability partner” and stay in your lane as their coach – the more you empower your people!

5 Questions to ask leaders for their work-life balance

How is your spiritual, mental, and physical health today compared to this time last year?
What changes did you intend to make last year to improve your quality of life?
- How did it go?
Do you feel empowered or defeated, proud or ashamed about the state of your health in those three areas?
What do you wish to change?
What is your plan to regain balance in your work and life this year?