The Surprising Leadership Edge: Why Slowing Down Boosts Performance

If life as a leader feels like a sprint you never signed up for—you’re not alone.

Between high-stakes decisions, nonstop demands, and a flood of notifications, leadership today often feels like a race against time.

But what if the key to getting more done, inspiring your team, and feeling better doing it… wasn’t about speeding up?

That’s the powerful shift we explored with Lee Holden, internationally renowned Qigong master and author of Ready, Set, Slow, on The Enlightened Executive. Lee believes that slowing down isn’t just a remedy for stress—it’s a catalyst for sustainable, high-performance leadership.

In this episode, he shares actionable insights drawn from ancient Eastern practices and modern science to help you lead with more power, clarity, and energy—without burning out.

Slowing Down: The Leadership Advantage Hiding in Plain Sight

It sounds counterintuitive: Don’t you have to move faster to stay ahead?

Lee challenges that assumption. According to him, short, intentional pauses can boost productivity, focus, and creativity. When we’re rushing, our minds scatter—what he calls “chaos in the mind.” And when our attention is fractured, we confuse busyness with impact.

So, what does slowing down look like for real-world leaders?

• A deep breath before walking into a meeting
• Eating without multitasking—actually tasting your food
• A slow, intentional tone during high-stakes conversations
• Brief breathing exercises to reset under pressure

Each one is small, but together they deliver big results: less stress, more clarity, and better decision-making.

The Practice: Strategic Pauses for Busy Leaders

You don’t have to disappear on a silent retreat. Lee recommends starting with just a few minutes of deliberate slowing each day.

Here are three executive-friendly practices we covered:

1. The 3-Breath Reset
   Before your next tense call or meeting, pause. Take three slow breaths: inhale for five seconds, exhale for five. Let yourself arrive. You’ll lead from a calmer, clearer place.
2. Mindful Eating, Micro Recovery
   Step away from your desk and truly experience your next meal. Chew slowly, savor the first bite, and breathe between bites. This isn’t manners—it’s neuroscience. It supports digestion, nervous system regulation, and restoring focus.
3. Intentional Speech = Impactful Communication
   Next time you’re delivering an important message, slow your pace. Lower your tone. Pause before key points. This helps your words land—and your team feel more grounded in your leadership presence.

Tip: You don’t have to slow down all day—just at pivotal moments. It’s not about pace. It’s about presence

Flow Isn’t About Speed—It’s About State

Lee’s core message is one many leaders overlook: “Flow” doesn’t come from moving faster. It comes from cultivating a fully resourced state—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

That’s why athletes and top performers often use slow, centering rituals to access peak performance, even in fast-paced environments.

Lee’s favorite tool? Qigong—an ancient moving meditation practice combining breathwork, slow movement, and visualization. He says just seven minutes a day can create a powerful shift.

Want to try it?

Action

Start your day with this simple Qigong sequence to awaken energy and calm your nervous system:

• Activate: Gentle shaking or bouncing to release tension
• Stretch: One deep stretch, especially through the spine or shoulders
• Flow: One minute of slow, continuous movement with focused breath

Stick with it for a week, and notice how your resilience, focus, and creativity begin to shift.

The Real Leadership Edge? Energy Management

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a breakdown in strategy.

In an age of cognitive overload and emotional exhaustion, energy—not time—is your most precious leadership resource. Slowing down isn’t indulgence; it’s how you stay in the game.

Lee’s worked with leaders across industries—from Silicon Valley to wellness retreats—and the pattern is clear: when leaders reclaim moments of presence, their performance improves. So does their health. And so does their team’s trust in them.

Make It a Ritual, Not a Reaction

Start small. Set a reminder: Pause + Breathe before lunch. Practice mindful eating once a day. Try a slower vocal tone in your next team huddle.

You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul—just tiny shifts that become trusted rituals.

When you trade frenzy for flow, everything changes.

In Our Conversation, We Also Explored:

• How Qigong and Tai Chi differ (and why Qigong is ideal for busy professionals)
• Surprising stories of leaders who became more productive by slowing down
• Why playful energy—not pressure—is what unlocks true innovation

Ready to try it?
Lee is offering a 30-day Qigong challenge—just seven minutes a day to reduce stress and activate energy. Learn more at holdenqigong.com.

If you’re ready to stop running on empty and start leading from a place of energy and clarity, listen to my full conversation with Lee Holden on The Enlightened Executive.

Let’s lead the way—together.