The Compass
Reflections, strategies, and real leadership insights to help you navigate change, challenge, and growth.
The Hidden Cost of Being ‘Always On’
There was a time when being busy meant being important. Now it just means being exhausted.
“Always on” used to sound like commitment. Today, it’s a warning sign.
We’ve built a environments that mistakes endurance for excellence — where inbox zero passes for impact, and presence is measured by green dots on Teams. But constant availability doesn’t make you a better leader. It makes you a distracted one.
The Unseen Cost of Leadership: Emotional Labour
In leadership, we measure performance by the numbers. Revenue targets. Productivity. Efficiency. But what about the emotional labour leaders shoulder daily—the invisible work that keeps teams together, but rarely gets acknowledged?
Emotional labour isn’t just about being “nice” or “empathetic.” It’s about strategic communication, conflict management, and the capacity to foster psychological safety in the workplace. It’s the glue holding teams together. And yet, it remains invisible.
Imagine a workplace where emotional labour was as valued as revenue targets. Where leaders were recognised not just for what they deliver but for how they show up for their people.