Leaders Should Embrace Hobbies to Enhance Skills
Why Invest Time in Hobbies?
Investing time in hobbies is more than just a leisure activity; it is a strategic advantage that stimulates creativity, engagement, and a clearer, more balanced leadership style. As a leader in a SaaS company, I discovered a surprising side of myself as a farmer. I don't run a business during the day and then tend to my tractor at night; rather, I have invested in olive groves in Turkey, cared for by my family and, for a few weeks each year, by me.
The Value of Contrasting Activities
You might wonder what olives have to do with online forms, and the answer is: nothing. This is why spending time harvesting olives every summer is so beneficial. At the end of the day, my back aches not from a long meeting at the office, but from hauling carts filled with fruit. My eyes, accustomed to staring at screens every day, now enjoy the natural beauty around me—no spreadsheets in sight.
Hobbies Humble and Rebuild You
When you are used to operating in an area where you have deep expertise, it is easy to forget how it feels to be a beginner or to fail. The olive groves do not offer me such illusions. Here, I am not a “CEO,” but just a pair of hands trying to face challenges. Appreciating your limitations can enhance your team's confidence and improve collaboration. Leaders who stay connected to reality are more accessible and open to feedback.
Changing Contexts as a Superpower
When I close my laptop and step into the groves, I am not just on vacation—I am completely shifting my mindset. While transitioning from one activity to another is often seen as negative, in certain circumstances, it can become a superpower. Spending weeks in an environment vastly different from the office allows my mind to explore new and unexpected ideas. This detachment helps me find solutions to problems that seemed insurmountable at the office.
Learning Through Hobbies
I don't believe that hobbies should be productive, but they often teach you new skills without pressure. Whether it's photography or cooking, these activities can develop qualities such as patience and precision. It is essential to step away from everyday life to appreciate what we have more. Even though I love the annual farm visits, I wouldn't want to pursue this long-term, as the nature of work in technology is much more stable.
Conclusion
Wise leaders understand that development doesn't only happen at work. Although it may seem like an indulgence, the time spent on hobbies is actually a strategic advantage that helps us improve our managerial skills.
