Many chief executives are still "early to bed, early to rise," but this behavior comes with a mixed blessing. While getting a jump on the day lets executives handle their CEO responsibilities earlier, the best performers balance themselves so they have enough time to work and still feel well-rested.
Business Insider recently profiled several CEOs of well-known companies who like to begin their day early, such as Tim Cook of Apple, Mary Barra of GM and Bob Iger of Disney. Out of the 22 executives mentioned, nine preferred to begin their day between 5:00 and 5:30 AM, and seven started between 4:00 and 4:30. Two of the executives, Brett Yormark of the Brooklyn Nets and Sergio Machionne of Fiat, rise as early as 3:30.
Matt Galligan, the CEO of Circa, spoke to Fast Company recently about his "internal alarm clock," which always prompts him to wake up at 6:30. But while he prides himself on his routine, he also notes that he wakes at the same time no matter when he goes to sleep, limiting the amount of rest he gets.
"95 percent of the time it's fantastic," he told the source. "I wake up very energized."
Although a tight, regular schedule sets a precedent for productivity, beginning too early can drain some CEOs and leave them less energetic. Marissa Mayer was criticized recently for oversleeping and missing a business dinner.
Experienced CEO candidates will know their own sleep schedule like Galligan and use it to your business' advantage. A management recruitment professional can help you find the right candidate.
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