Spring is in the air, and you know what that means—time to clean out the closets, shake out the rugs, and finally admit that the mystery Tupperware in the office fridge has passed the point of no return. But spring cleaning isn’t just for your home or your breakroom—it’s also the perfect time to clear out the cobwebs in your business leadership.
You're a leader because you care about people. You want to deeply, positively impact our world through the service you provide, through your leadership, through your daily actions. But let’s be honest: over time, things pile up. Processes become bloated, meetings multiply like rabbits, and somehow your company’s mission gets buried under layers of to-do lists and outdated strategies. So let’s take a page from the spring cleaning playbook and freshen things up.
Remember why you started? Why this company exists? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is strip everything back to the essentials. What truly drives your business? What do your customers and employees need most? If a process, project, or strategy isn’t serving your core mission, it’s time to reevaluate.
Raise your hand if you have task boards, spreadsheets, processes, tools, or initiatives that made sense three years ago but now just collect proverbial dust. Or maybe it’s your calendar that’s cluttered with meetings that could’ve been an email. Give yourself permission to say no, to cut the excess, and to remove the noise that keeps you from focusing on what actually matters.
And don’t forget the physical space—because a cluttered office can lead to a cluttered mind. Take an afternoon to clear the stacks of paper, update that long-forgotten whiteboard, and finally recycle the pile of outdated brochures from 2017.
Spring isn’t just about clearing things out—it’s about making room for fresh growth. What’s one outdated mindset you’re ready to toss? Maybe it’s the belief that you have to do everything yourself, or that burnout is just part of the job. Let it go. Then, plant something new—whether it’s a fresh leadership habit, a smarter workflow, or a renewed commitment to leading with purpose.
More isn’t always more. Doing all the things doesn’t mean doing them well. What if, instead, you focused on fewer things, done with greater excellence? Whether it’s refining your offerings, focusing on the team’s core strengths, or simply choosing to be fully present instead of pulled in a million directions, doing less can actually help you accomplish more.
Spring reminds us that growth comes after letting go of what no longer serves us. Leadership is the same way. The best CEOs aren’t the ones who hold onto every old habit, process, or mindset—they’re the ones who know when to clear the way for something better.
So take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the season of renewal. Your business (and your sanity) will thank you for it.