Why the most effective leaders often seem to be the laziest: 5 factors explaining this illogical approach

In fact, so-called

In today’s world of management, a culture of busyness dominates. People often measure effectiveness by a packed calendar, late-night emails, and back-to-back meetings. But in reality, the most effective leaders are different. They avoid constant overload, protect their time, trust their teams, and work in a way that may appear “lazy.”

This is a misconception. In fact, so-called “lazy” leaders are simply smarter about managing their attention and resources. Here are 5 key reasons why this approach works:

1. They focus on results, not activity

Effective leaders know that outward activity does not necessarily mean real outcomes. While some managers rush from one meeting to another and write emails late at night to appear “dedicated,” results-oriented leaders carefully choose what actually drives progress.

Data shows that 83% of employees engage in “work theater” — performing tasks designed to look busy rather than achieve meaningful results. This drains the team’s true potential without ensuring significant progress.

Tip: At the start of each week, identify the 3 most important results to focus on. Delegate or decline everything else.

2. They build teams that are not dependent on them

A true leader makes the team independent by giving not only tasks, but also authority and responsibility.

✦ Delegating tasks ensures the work gets done.
✦ Delegating ownership ensures the team feels fully accountable and proactive.

Research shows that this approach increases productivity, profitability, and employee motivation.

Tip: Create a clear decision-making framework so the team knows exactly when to act independently and when to involve leadership.

3. They eliminate the unnecessary

Effective leaders have the courage to cut out time- and energy-draining processes and obligations without guilt. They ask themselves: “If I don’t do this, will anything really break?”

Classic examples of what to eliminate:

• Weekly reports no one reads

• Unnecessary approval cycles

• Pointless projects that drain resources

Speed is often more effective than perfection. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has said: if you’re not convinced a decision is wrong, even if you disagree, move forward. This reduces delays and unnecessary complexity.

Tip: Review your calendar every quarter. If a recurring meeting or task does not provide clear value, remove it.

4. They protect time for thinking, not just doing

In a constant work rhythm, “empty” time for reflection is undervalued. Yet it is precisely in these unstructured moments that breakthrough ideas and solutions often emerge.

Former LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner deliberately scheduled “buffers” in his calendar — blocks with no meetings or calls. These “empty” slots often turned into the foundation for strategic decisions.

Tip: Set aside at least two hours a week as “thinking time” and protect it as firmly as any important meeting.

5. They trust the process and the people

Micromanagement is not about control — it’s about a lack of trust. When leaders don’t trust their team’s decisions and constantly interfere, the team becomes dependent and loses initiative.

The value of trust, according to Deloitte:

• 260% more motivated employees

• 41% fewer absences

• 50% less likely to seek another job

Some founders even use the “48-hour rule”: if the team makes a decision you don’t support, wait 48 hours. In most cases, it turns out everything is fine.

*The article was also prepared using data from AI․