Worcester Business Journal

18 Worcester Business Journal | January 22, 2024 | wbjournal.com Member FDIC Member DIF WE HELP KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING. Call one of our experienced commercial lenders at 800-649-3036 or email us at commercial@saversbank.com. Simply Beter. Commercial Loans, Business Banking and So Much More. saversbank.com/ businessbanking Y ou know it's true: Better sleep leads to better perfor- mance. Better performance leads to better business success, and everyone is happier as a result. Let me ask: How did you sleep last night? Put that ques- tion to your best employees! So, as a business leader, would you agree this is oen the time of year companies focus on trying to start the year strong, revenue-wise? Would you agree it's a perennial time for growth-mind- ed leaders to do a little reflection on improv- ing their leadership effectiveness? Perhaps focusing on Leader- ship 360 feedback, and strategies for improve- ment in specific areas? Perhaps, I dare say, even challenging the self-limiting beliefs holding you back from greater success, individually and as a company? As a U.S. Navy submarine veter- an, in my practice today I oen use the metaphor of "going deep" or "beneath the waves" to discover and explore. One of the things an im- provement-minded leader needs to do is take that occasional deep dive to see what's lurking in the deep. at includes a deeper reflection of sleep quality and making a good night's sleep is an important part of the company culture. is is easier to do in small businesses, but it's relatable and demonstrable to your corporate teams. All of what I just suggested takes courage and confidence to embrace, for all effective leaders know a focus on self-leadership improvement posi- tively affects everyone positively. You must do the work to understand your own self-limiting beliefs first! Using self-hypnosis will help you to focus, reframe perspectives, open your mind to new thinking, and help you see your exact path forward. e concept of leading from within isn't novel, and being at your best is key. It requires a focus on knowing thyself, as Epictetus explained almost 2,000 years ago. I learned this direct- ly from the late Vice Admiral James Stockdale in 1976 when he joined us at sea for two weeks on our submarine. It was the Stoics that taught him how to lead, as the senior POW in Vietnam. I've studied Epictetus, Aurelius, Sene- ca, and a few others ever since. eir wisdom is integral to the leadership improvement hypno-coaching I do with my clients. It's empowering when clients connect with and access their deep, inner wisdom. You can do the same. It's time to develop what I call a more empowered mind. Leaders across the board grapple with the stark reality of self-transfor- mation. e change is oen elusive, despite the best conscious efforts. e secret lies in the cavernous depths of our subconscious mind, a realm shaped by our experiences. We need to reprogram this inner landscape if we wish to unlock lasting improvement. One such mind tool is self-hypnosis, a focused attention and autosugges- tion technique. It serves as a beacon of sorts, illuminating deep-seated issues, effectively paving the path for leadership improvement. I could present a laun- dry list of ideas to help improve that inner game of self-leadership. at list would surely include a focus on greater self-awareness, the inability to accept feedback that leads to actionable change, fears and phobias of all kinds, and a general neglect of personal development. Instead, I want to talk about the importance for all leaders to get a good night's sleep. Imagine an empowered, more focused, more energized, and produc- tive workforce, with a team so well rested its focus is simply unbelievable. It's possible. While you are imagin- ing things, step into your future and imagine a culture where this is a cher- ished asset! Again, all possible, and it starts with you (and your employees) sleeping better. Look at sleep through a new lens. A focus on sleep is a secret to both per- sonal and company longevity. Sleep is an essential part of your overall health and wellbeing. Consider it strategic. Business and military leaders through the ages knew a well-rested team will enjoy victory. e benefits of sleep are clear. You become human, and people like to be around you. Beyond health improve- ments, you become that pleasant, calm, nurturing, and insightful wise leader they once knew. Whether your priority is your own sleep improve- ment, or if you want to help your team sleep well again, I hope you'll put sleep mastery at the very top of your priority list. You'll live longer, too! Bob Martel is a professional hypnotist, empowerment coach, and author of several books, including "I Am Sleeping Now." Reach Bob at Positive Results Hypnosis in Leominster, or via email at bob@bobmartel.com. Sleep well to lead well Guest Column By Bob Martel W

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