Rapid Response: Embrace tension, w/former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty

Boundaries

Ginni Rometty emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She shares her own experiences of needing to consciously allocate time for relationships and personal activities, highlighting that the responsibility to draw these boundaries lies with the individual. "Work leaders, they will suck everything out of you that you'll give," she notes, stressing the necessity of self-imposed limits to prevent burnout. Rometty believes that creating quality time for oneself can provide valuable perspectives and fuel for better work performance 1 2.

   

Flexibility

Rometty distinguishes between work-life balance and flexibility, advocating for the latter as a more effective approach in modern work environments. She argues that flexibility allows individuals to tailor their work schedules to personal needs, such as taking time off for family or adjusting work methods to fit team dynamics. "Flexibility says, no, let me determine," she explains, contrasting it with the more rigid concept of work-life balance. This adaptability, she suggests, is crucial for fostering a connected and purpose-driven workforce 3 1.