🔒Seven things successful leaders do outside the office

Being a successful leader can be challenging and stressful at times. To obtain a high level of success, you have to be willing to go the extra mile and this includes time away from the office, such as weeknights and weekends. Successful leaders understand that some of their time outside of the office needs to be focused on activities that will support their ability to be efficient and effective. Here are seven things successful leaders do outside the office:

1. Plan for the coming week: Success generally does not just happen; you have to make it happen. This requires planning and execution. By definition, planning should start in advance. One great way to get a jump on your week is to take some time on Sunday night to review your calendar and “to-do list.” This way the coming week's activities are fresh in your mind. This will greatly increase your probability of successful execution and enhance your time-management skills.

2. Work out: One of the best ways of assuring you have a sharp mind is to work out your body. A solid work out will clear your mind and provide powerful chemical changes in your body that enhance your mood and ability to execute. Another benefit is that creative ideas often occur when your mind is clear of your normal work distractions. Time spent in activities such as running or biking, can provide these powerful moments.

3. Read: Reading and staying abreast of your industry, technology and world events are critical to enhance your success as a leader. Study after study has shown that CEOs read significantly more than the average person.

By reading and expanding your knowledge, you are better informed and prepared to make decisions. Weekends and certain weeknights can be an ideal time to read.I typically start each day by getting up early and reading the Wall Street Journal. Then on the weekends I'll read business and technology books and other material.

4. Enjoy some downtime: Successful leaders understand that you need to recharge on occasion. The weekend is a great time to work on a hobby, or spend time with your family. Be sure you take at least a few hours a week to shut off your phone and stay away from email.

5. Build relationships: Successful leaders understand the value and power of an extended network. Networking skills are critical and yours need to be exceptional. You must strive to build relationships both internally and externally to your organization.

Time outside the office is ideal for building these external networks. This can be done at various places such as houses of worship, clubs and other organizations.

6. Mentor others: Once you become a leader, it's important to think about those who helped you along the way. You certainly had mentors who provided guidance as you moved up in your career. One of the best ways you can honor those mentors, is to “pay it forward” and be a mentor to others.

True leaders understand how they can impact others and strive to mentor and grow the people in their organization and others in their life. The greatest leaders I have worked for over the years are still mentors to this day. Successful leaders teach, motivate and mentor those around them.

7. Give back: If you have been fortunate enough to achieve success in your career and financially, it's important to give back to society. Not only is it rewarding to give back, it's the right thing to do.

I have always felt it's important to assure some of your giving back takes the form of helping your local community.

To be successful, you must be effective and efficient. By using your time wisely, focused on the right activities outside the office, you can be extremely efficient and thus more effective. 

Andy Singer is the president of Singer Executive Development, a professional training and development company.