It’s about creating white space in our brain, on our desk, in our inbox, on the desktop of our screens to reduce clutter...
While most leadership advice suggests adding more habits or tools, My discussion with Nell proposes that the most strategic action a leader can take is to subtract. We discuss a life’s “forced stops,” which occur despite us feeling aligned and successful. Having a forced stop can be a pivotal moment, even in a fully aligned life; doing too much is dangerous to self and others.
This contrasts with the common belief that one must feel “empty” to realize a problem. Nell introduces her “Lead in 3D Framework” and “Subtract to Succeed” philosophy, which challenges the traditional view of adding more to achieve more. This draws on two decades of global development and humanitarian leadership experience. It helps high-performing leaders address a quiet crisis: they are achieving success on paper but are running on empty.
We explore the transformative power of subtraction, offering practical insights for leaders navigating an increasingly demanding world. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on work habits, the often-overlooked gender asymmetry in work-life balance, and the potential of regenerative leadership to combat exhaustion as a badge of seriousness. We explore practical methods for leaders to reconnect with their bodies, prioritize intentional space, and leverage their natural energy for sustainable impact.
The modern leader faces unprecedented pressures, often pushing them towards unsustainable levels of activity. The call to “subtract to succeed” offers a vital counter-narrative, proposing that true growth and lasting impact come from strategic removal, not endless addition. Leaders can listen to the subtle signals of their bodies and environments, intentionally create space, and reallocate their energy towards what truly matters.
This holistic approach, rooted in the interconnectedness of “me, we, and world,” fosters regenerative leadership that benefits not only the individual but also their teams, organizations, and the broader community. The journey begins with a simple act: choosing to believe in the reality that less, when done intentionally, ultimately brings more.
What one non-essential task or thought pattern could you subtract today to create more impactful space?
The main insights you’ll get from this episode are :
- Having a forced stop can be a pivotal moment, even in a fully aligned life; doing too much is dangerous to self and others.
- The AI world enables overwhelm – we must recognise that the infrastructure is designed to enthrall us and breaking away from it is difficult.
- A framework for recognising the reality of our bodily systems within systems of systems is helpful to connect me, we, and the world, opening up opportunities.
- Less is more but the human instinct is to add; the ‘subtract to succeed’ methodology uses the ‘stop, drop, and roll’ approach from fire safety:
- stopping in situ, gathering data, paying attention, taking stock
- dropping experimentally, getting curious, creating space
- rolling with the additional time and space, intentionally filling the vacuum
- There is a gender difference re subtraction – feminine energy understands the need to stop, masculine energy less so.
- Feminine energy is interconnected and more systematic, whereas masculine energy is linear, partly shaped by the current system and societal stereotypes.
- There is resistance to the shift from a linear, industrial approach to a more interconnected approach in workplace cultures (due to the illusion of control).
- Regenerative leadership understands that neither energy inputs and outputs nor rest are created equal, which speaks for the benefits of diversity.
- Extractive capitalism detracts from rest and undermines the neurology of and need for rest; it is imperative to select activities that bring us joy and energise us.
- Learning what individuals’ natural energy is enhances collaboration and delegation; subtraction is regenerative rather than extractive.
- The cognitive reframe for subtraction happens quickly because it is simple, has immediate tangible benefits and brings peace.
- Unhelpful thinking is very detrimental and leads to rumination as opposed to constructive thoughts – it is time to reclaim our brain power!
- A daily practice is transformative; we must believe that reality can be different and we choose our reality.
Find out more about Nell and her work here :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/, https://www.nell3d.com/
