In a recent LinkedIn post, Christine Carrillo highlights a crucial, yet often overlooked, skill for chief executives: the ability to do less. Carrillo argues that burnout is a pervasive problem among CEOs, often stemming from a misconception that constant, high-intensity work is the key to success. Instead, she posits that strategic rest and delegation are more powerful drivers of achievement.
Carrillo directly addresses the common belief that relentless grinding leads to success, stating:
“Most CEOs burn out before they ever reach success. They think grinding 24/7 means they’ll get ahead. It does not.”
The Pitfalls of Overwork for Leaders
Christine Carrillo points out the detrimental effects of an “always-on” culture for top executives. She observes that this mindset can lead not only to personal exhaustion but also to the detriment of the business itself. According to Carrillo, many capable leaders have seen their ventures falter precisely because of this unsustainable approach.
She elaborates on this point:
“I’ve watched brilliant CEOs burn themselves and their business to the ground because of it.”
The Power of Strategic Restraint and Delegation
Carrillo proposes a counterintuitive strategy for outperforming peers: intentionally doing less. She outlines three core principles that she believes can significantly enhance a CEO’s effectiveness and longevity.
Prioritizing Opportunities
The first principle, as articulated by Carrillo, is the art of saying no. She emphasizes that leaders should be highly selective about their commitments, adopting a stringent filter for new initiatives or tasks.
“If it isn’t a hell yes, it’s a distraction.”
This approach, Carrillo suggests, allows CEOs to conserve energy and focus on what truly matters, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed by less critical demands.
The Efficiency of Delegation
Secondly, Carrillo advocates for robust delegation. She argues that CEOs should entrust tasks to others whenever possible, even if those individuals might not perform the task identically to the CEO. Her benchmark for delegation is clear:
“If it can be done 80% as well as you, let it go.”
This mindset, according to Carrillo, frees up the CEO’s valuable time and mental bandwidth for higher-level strategic thinking and decision-making.
The Importance of Rest
The third, and perhaps most surprising, recommendation from Carrillo is to prioritize sleep. She contends that adequate rest is not a luxury but a necessity for optimal cognitive function and idea generation. Carrillo implies that a well-rested CEO is a more effective leader.
She poses a rhetorical question to underscore this point: “Imagine hiring a CEO to replace you, who was always tired and barely keeping it together? Your company can’t afford that hire. And it can’t afford you running on empty either.”
Christine Carrillo’s insights offer a compelling argument for a more sustainable and effective leadership model, challenging the conventional wisdom that equates constant work with success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Christine Carrillo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 10, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →