The Domino Effect: How Leaders' Stress Trickles Down (and What We Can Do About It)
October 20, 2023
Recently, I tuned into an enlightening episode of The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett featuring the brilliant Dr. Tara Swart (episode link in the comments). Among the various insights shared, the segment on stress and mental health struck a deep chord. Memories of the early pandemic days in 2020 came flooding back—times of profound stress and overwhelming emotions that pushed me to the brink of burnout and depression. A place I never imagined I'd find myself.
Knowing I had to do something, I decided to take a break for a few months to look after myself. This time off helped me think about what mattered. I knew I had to put my health first. So, I began eating healthy, working out every day, quit alcohol, took up meditation, and spent more time outdoors and with loved ones. This break helped me see some bad habits I had and change them for the better.
The Bigger Picture: My personal revelations extended beyond just self-reflection and self-improvement. I recognized the need to enhance resilience within my team, aiming to foster a culture that both combats burnout and boosts performance. Partnering with Michael Matania and the professionals at Tough Cookie (now Mycelium), we embarked on a journey into team mindfulness and resilience. While the corporate world was still warming up to mental wellness, we embraced it fully. Today, I believe wholeheartedly: Mindful leadership is the bedrock of dynamic, thriving teams. And Dr. Swart's work provides the scientific backing for this belief.
The Ripple Effect of Stress: Listening to the podcast brought an epiphany: the stress I felt wasn't confined to just me—it radiated outwards, influencing my entire team. Stress propagates, altering the team's energy and output. Dr. Swart's pioneering studies in neuroscience reveal that our psychological state directly impacts our professional actions, influencing our decisions, creativity, and interpersonal dynamics. Thus, leaders have a key role in establishing the overarching mood and direction.
The Path Forward: Leadership isn't one-size-fits-all, and what worked for me may not resonate with everyone. However, in my lived experience, I've identified 5 pillars that I believe are instrumental. These cornerstones guide leaders in navigating stress, fostering a positive workspace, and establishing an environment where teams can thrive:
🔥 1. Rebel with Mindfulness : Embrace mindfulness —it's transformative for both personal growth and team performance. By mastering mindfulness, we enhance our emotional intelligence, equipping us to navigate challenges with balance and grace. By practicing mindfulness, leaders set a positive example, fostering an environment where emotions are valued and utilized.
⚡ 2. Power-Up with Strengths : As a CliftonStrengths coach, I've witnessed the transformative power of recognizing and utilizing individual strengths. It's not about fitting a mold; it's about amplifying team potential and achieving remarkable outcomes. We're all unique individuals, each with our own strengths. Acknowledge and celebrate that and watch the team flourish.
🤘 3. Rock the Listening Game: Pay attention, be present, and truly listen. Create an open dialogue without preconceived judgments. Effective leadership is about supporting and uplifting your team. It’s not about you; it’s about your people’s needs.
🎤 4. Communicate Clearly, Communicate Often: Maintain open channels of communication. Regular updates, open discussions, and addressing challenges collaboratively pave the way for success, especially during turbulent times. While it's vital to keep sight of the bigger picture, also remember to tackle challenges step by step. You get to the future one day at a time, and by allowing your people to be authentic human beings, you'll bring out the best in everyone, including yourself.
🚀 5. Simplify, Then Conquer: Among my clients, I've observed a common thread: they often overcomplicate processes and fixate on minor details or rigid outcomes. Start simplifying processes, prioritize effectively, and see your team rise to new heights. A focused team moves faster and is poised and prepared to excel. In today’s fast changing world, speed is everything. The guiding principle? Less is more. Maintain clarity and purpose.
In the evolving work paradigm, leaders embracing mental well-being aren't just trendsetters—they're visionaries. I firmly believe teams guided by such leaders are poised to be more engaged, innovative, and successful. If you're keen to embark on this transformative journey with your team, I'm here to help you. Let's chat.
References and further reading & listening:
Swart, T. (2019). The Source: Open Your Mind, Change Your Life. HarperCollins UK.
Swart, T. (2016). Neuroscience for Leadership: Harnessing the Brain Gain Advantage. Palgrave Macmillan.
The Diary Of A CEO, episode September 25th, 2023:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dZEZbWDOjFLOZPMJPsZf1?si=1ed56a22f665449b