Everyday Reflections

If you’ve ever heard of “jeffing” in running, you know it’s all about taking short walk breaks to keep your energy up over long distances. But did you know this idea can also make you a better leader or manager? Let’s see how we can use jeffing to lead teams and manage projects more effectively.

1. Pace Yourself

Just like runners need to pace themselves to avoid burnout, leaders need to do the same for their teams. Working non-stop can drain everyone’s energy and enthusiasm. Regular breaks and periods of lighter work can keep everyone fresh and motivated.

How to do it:

• Let your team have flexible work hours.
• Encourage short, regular breaks during the day.
• Make sure people feel comfortable taking time off when they need it.

2. Rest and Recharge

In sports, rest is just as important as activity. As a leader, you should make sure your team gets enough downtime too. This isn’t just about vacations—mental health days and opportunities for learning and reflection are important too.

How to do it:

• Offer mental health days.
• Provide chances for your team to learn new things.
• Celebrate successes and reflect on what could be better.

3. Mix Up the Workload

Jeffing is about alternating between hard running and easier walking. For leaders, this means balancing high-pressure tasks with easier ones. Constant stress can lead to burnout, so it’s important to mix things up.

How to do it:

• Spread the workload evenly.
• Mix challenging projects with simpler tasks.
• Know when to push hard and when to ease up.

4. Set Goals You Can Reach

Jeffing is all about keeping the long-term goal in mind while focusing on short-term milestones. Leaders should do the same by setting clear, achievable goals that lead to bigger success.

How to do it:

• Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
• Regularly check progress and adjust goals as needed.
• Celebrate small wins to keep everyone motivated.

5. Be Flexible

Runners who use jeffing need to adapt their pace based on the terrain. Leaders need to be flexible too, adjusting their strategies as things change. This means being open to new ideas and ready to pivot when necessary.

How to do it:

• Encourage innovation and trying new things.
• Be open to feedback and willing to make changes.
• Keep learning new skills and staying up-to-date.

Using the principles of jeffing, you can create a work environment that keeps everyone energized and ready for the long haul. Just like jeffing helps runners reach their goals without burning out, these leadership strategies can help your team succeed while staying happy and healthy. Remember, leadership isn’t just about crossing the finish line first—it’s about making sure everyone gets there together, strong and ready for the next challenge.