4. Rephrase the questions you ask.

Which of these two queries do you think will produce a more productive answer: "What's the problem?" versus "What would you like to see (and make) happen?" The problem with the wording of the first one is that it's likely to put the responder on the defensive. Instead of asking what is wrong, why not focus on what could be right?

5. Seek ways to re-energize before you burn out.

With mobile gadgets like smartphones and tablets inspiring many of us to work on an almost 24x7 basis, the McKinsey authors point out that it's easier than ever for high-performing leaders to approach burnout. The best ones seek ways to recharge: those boosts can be mental, physical, emotional or spiritual. And the worst thing you can do is consider them to be a waste of time.

This reminds me of a conversation I had recently with a serial entrepreneur, who happens to be an avid surfer. When he discovered other members of his team shared his passion, he moved some of his "board meetings to the beach," taking them out of a high-stress setting.