Why Every Leader Needs a Radical Pause: The Hidden Benefits of Sabbaticals

One of the best things about a sabbatical is stepping away from the things you love to make sure you still love them.

If you’re anything like me, you love your work, your team, and the people you serve. But here’s the truth: even when we’re passionate about what we do, leadership is demanding. The constant decisions, the never-ending to-do list, the weight of caring for others—it adds up. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we drift from the passion that brought us here in the first place.

That’s exactly why I took a radical pause—a sabbatical—and I’m here to share how it completely transformed my leadership and life.

1. Rediscovering My Passion

Before my sabbatical, I didn’t feel completely burned out, but something was off. I wasn’t creating at the level I knew I could, and the things that used to excite me felt more like tasks to check off the list.

Stepping away gave me the space to reconnect with my purpose. I didn’t just return to work feeling rested—I came back truly excited about what I do. I realized that I’m not just called to this work; I’m energized by it. That kind of clarity only comes when we step back long enough to hear ourselves think.

2. Avoiding Burnout Before It’s Too Late

It had been seven years since my last sabbatical, and I knew I was overdue. In caregiving professions like coaching, consulting, and ministry, we pour out so much of ourselves for others. But I realized that I couldn’t keep leading others well if I wasn’t caring for myself.

I was feeling the weight of decision fatigue—leading an organization, creating content, partnering in other ventures—it all started to pile up. I needed a clear head for the next season of leadership, and stepping away was the only way to get it.

3. Boosting Creativity Through Rest

A friend once told me, “Without margin, there’s no imagination.” I found that to be absolutely true.

Before my sabbatical, I wasn’t flat creatively, but I wasn’t generating fresh ideas either. During my time away, I didn’t force creativity—it just leaked out effortlessly. Sitting by a wood stove, journal in hand, ideas started flowing again. And the best part? These weren’t just good ideas; they were aligned ideas—ones that felt right and true to who I am and where I’m headed.

4. Strengthening Relationships at Home and Work

Leadership can be all-consuming, and often, the people closest to us feel the strain. My sabbatical wasn’t just about getting clarity for work—it was about reconnecting with my family.

I structured my days with a balance: part of the day was for me—time to rest, reflect, and recharge—and the other part was dedicated to my family. Whether it was slow breakfasts, cheering my kids on at their activities, or simply being present for my wife, that time grounded me in ways I didn’t expect. And when I returned to work, I wasn’t just a better leader—I was a better husband and dad.

5. Strategic Clarity for the Future

The biggest gift of my sabbatical was clarity. I came back knowing exactly what I care about, what I’m gifted at, and what I need from my team.

This wasn’t just about personal insight—it was strategic. I realized where I needed to focus my energy and where I needed to delegate. My team grew in my absence, stepping up in ways that made us stronger as an organization. When I returned, we were more aligned than ever, ready to take on the next season with purpose and direction.

Common Misconceptions About Sabbaticals (FAQs)

1. “Sabbaticals are just extended vacations.”
Let me be clear: a sabbatical isn’t a vacation. It’s an intentional pause designed for reflection, renewal, and strategic planning. Unlike vacations, sabbaticals give you space to deeply reconnect with your purpose.

2. “Taking a sabbatical will disrupt my organization.”
Actually, the opposite is true. My team didn’t just survive while I was away—they thrived. Sabbaticals empower your team to step up, and you’ll come back to an organization that’s stronger and more resilient.

3. “We can’t afford a sabbatical program.”
I get it—taking time off can feel like a financial risk. But here’s the truth: sabbaticals are an investment. By reducing burnout and turnover, they save money and improve the overall health of your organization.

Ready to Take Your Radical Pause?

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership, it might be time for your own Sabbatical.
👉 Download our FREE eBook to discover how a sabbatical can transform your leadership.

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Alan Briggs

Founder | Lead Sabbatical Coach

Alan Briggs is dedicated to helping executive leaders create healthy cultures where they can thrive both at home and in their work. As the founder of Sabbatical Coaching Group, Alan brings a wealth of experience in culture coaching, sabbatical coaching, and anti-burnout training. He’s a sought-after speaker and the author of five books, including AntiBurnout, which explores lighter leadership for greater longevity.

When Alan isn’t coaching or writing, you can find him adventuring in the Rockies with his wife and four kids, or recording episodes for the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast. His passion is to help leaders achieve clarity and health in their lives, ensuring they return from sabbatical with renewed energy and vision.