Opinion: Pausing to support well-being is a strategic imperative

Max Buetow

When I started my professional career, I quickly found there was a crucial skill needed that wasn’t in the job description: juggling. 

I know what you’re thinking – what does a guy who went from making hot dog buns to health care know about juggling? 

Over the years, I have found balancing between professional ambition and personal well-being is a constant juggling act. 

Every week, as I greet new employees to our organization, I share that being CoxHealth’s CEO is in my top three life priorities, but it’s not in the first or second position. Those spots are reserved for my faith and my family.

However, sometimes I have to check myself to ensure that my calendar stays in sync with my top-tier commitments.  

For me – and, I bet, many of you – the default mode is to keep pushing forward, driven by goals and the desire for continual growth.

However, I’ve learned that sustainable success isn’t just about relentless pursuit; it’s also about knowing when to pause and recharge.

This is something I am working on prioritizing not only for myself but also my family. 

Health care can be all-consuming, and major accomplishments come with major effort.

In the work we do, achieving work-life balance shouldn’t be just a personal priority – it’s a strategic imperative.

Our ability to lead effectively and foster a culture of innovation hinges on our capacity to nurture ourselves and our relationships outside of work.

It’s about setting realistic expectations for us and our teams so we can foster an environment where hard work is balanced with those moments of rest and reflection.

As business professionals, we have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to lead by example in prioritizing this balance. 

In recent years, CoxHealth has been thrilled to see the growth of our teams and the ideas we are bringing to the community. However, even as we achieve great things, I know our work cannot be successful long-term if my colleagues and I are constantly fighting burnout.

As a leader, I want my teams to know that it is perfectly OK to hit the pause button sometimes. In fact, it is necessary.

Whether it’s through family vacations, outdoor activities or simply unplugging for a weekend, these moments of respite are essential for maintaining clarity, creativity and overall well-being.

With my dad, my brother and my mom now all in southwest Missouri, in addition to my wife, Laura, and my children, I am extremely blessed. I know I am fortunate to have the opportunity to spend my recharge time connecting with my loved ones as a son, brother, dad and husband.

This summer, with a break from the havoc of school year schedules, our plan as a family is to make the most of every minute together. Whether that’s a family reunion in northern Minnesota or a night spent by the grill barbecuing for family dinner, it’s during these times that I recharge, refocus and ultimately become a more effective leader.

I encourage you to reflect on your own approach to work-life balance this summer, and in all seasons.

Consider how you can integrate moments of relaxation and rejuvenation – time for your family and time for you. They are key to living life to the fullest – being your best for your family and friends and allowing yourself to return to work with renewed energy and clarity.

Max Buetow is the president and CEO of CoxHealth. He can be reached at max.buetow@coxhealth.com.