As leaders, we often find ourselves under pressure, juggling multiple responsibilities and striving to meet high expectations. It’s often forgotten that as well as leading a team, we have our “regular” jobs to work on. For example, a leader of a web development team probably needs to do a bunch of web development themselves. Balancing these priorities and being effective at both can be hard and when things get overwhelming (which is somewhat inevitable), then stress and anxiety can appear.
It’s crucial to understand the impact of stress on our leadership abilities and to implement tactics that help us stay balanced and effective. Below, we will explore ways to recognise signs of stress, reduce its impact, and build resilience in challenging times.
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Leadership
Stress has a huge effect on our leadership capabilities. It can impact you in a number of concrete ways, including:
- Hindering decision-making which can lead to further stress.
- Impairing communication, making things difficult for those around you.
- A decrease in overall productivity, both in your regular role and as a manager.
By recognising the impact stress can have on our performance, we can take proactive steps to manage it effectively.
This is the first step, and one that took me a while to learn – having this awareness is the first step towards more effectively managing your stress levels.
So, what can we do about it?
- Reflect on the connection between stress and your leadership effectiveness. Awareness is the first step toward change. Consider how stress impacts your decision-making, communication, and overall performance as a leader.
- Engage in regular self-assessment and reflection. Set aside time to evaluate your stress levels and how they may be influencing your leadership style. This reflection will help you identify areas where stress is hindering your effectiveness and allow you to make informed changes. Personally, I try to do this at least once a week, usually on a Friday morning so that I can reflect on the week that has passed.
- Look for professional development opportunities to enhance your understanding of stress management. Attend workshops, webinars, or seminars focused on stress management for leaders. Acquiring knowledge and skills in this area will empower you to take proactive steps toward minimising the negative impact of stress on your leadership. At Aira, we work with Sanctus who provide a range of mental health and professional support, including being a more effective leader.
Recognising Signs of Stress and Burnout
Identifying the signs of stress and burnout is essential to prevent them from taking a toll on our well-being. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, irritability, decreased concentration, and reduced job satisfaction. By acknowledging these signs early on, we can intervene and mitigate their negative effects.
I’ve worked with a number of managers over the years and most of them will have common “triggers” or “signals” that can appear and give an indication of stress levels starting to increase.
For example, a trigger may actually be something that we stop doing that leads to stress being more likely to be increased. For example, if doing exercise such as running or going to the gym is important to you, then giving it up in favour of starting work early or finishing later, is likely to lead to higher levels of stress.
A signal may be something that you start doing when stress levels are starting to increase. For example, you may find yourself being less present and engaged in meetings, choosing to process emails instead. Or you may find that you struggle to concentrate on one task for more than a few minutes. These could be signs that stress is increasing and that you need to intervene sooner rather than later.
Let’s look at what we can actually do to recognise the signs of stress:
- As mentioned, start by familiarising yourself with common signs of stress and burnout. Educate yourself on the physical, emotional, and behavioural indicators that may signal stress. Awareness of these signs will enable you to identify when you’re nearing burnout and take action.
- Practice self-monitoring and regular check-ins. Dedicate time each day or at least each week to assess your well-being and stress levels. Check in with yourself by asking how you’re feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally. This self-awareness will help you catch early warning signs of stress and take necessary steps to address them. I will often try to do this when I’m away from my desk, such as when I’m walking the dog or making myself a coffee in the morning.
- Encourage open communication and support within your team. Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable discussing their stress levels and concerns. Create channels for open dialogue and provide resources or guidance for managing stress. By nurturing a supportive environment, you can collectively address and reduce stress within your team.
Stress Reduction Techniques and Self-Care Practices
To maintain a healthy balance, it’s vital to incorporate stress reduction techniques and self-care practices into our daily routines. From mindfulness exercises and deep breathing techniques to regular exercise and adequate sleep, we’ll explore various approaches that can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.
Remember, developing your self-awareness and understanding your own triggers and signals to enabling stress is the key first step here. It’s hard to choose the right stress reduction techniques if you’re not able to identify when you actually need them in the first place.
So, what can you do once you’ve recognised that stress levels are starting to increase?
- Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Set aside a few minutes each day for mindful breathing exercises, meditation, or simply being present in the moment. These practices can help reduce stress and increase focus and resilience. I’m a fan of Headspace which has a free and paid version. If you’re not a fan of formal or structured mindfulness or meditation, just taking a few moments a day to think about how you feel and being aware of how you feel can be a good starting point.
- Prioritise physical exercise and movement. Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, jogging, yoga, or any other form of exercise. Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and promotes overall well-being. Again, you don’t necessarily need to go all-in on this and join a gym or be a fitness fanatic overnight. Even just getting outside for some fresh air at lunch time instead of eating at your desk can make a difference.
- Establish healthy boundaries and practise effective time management. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks to alleviate your workload. Create a schedule that allows for breaks, rest, and relaxation. Prioritising self-care and managing your time effectively will help reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Building Resilience in Challenging Times
In times of adversity and uncertainty, like how the last few years have been for many of us, building resilience becomes even more important. Resilience allows us to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.
It’s important to note that building resilience doesn’t mean putting a brave face on things or not letting others know that you’re struggling. Whilst leaders do need to shelter their team from some problems, showing some vulnerability can also be an effective way to lead a team. Let’s look at what resilience actually means:
- Foster a growth mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Cultivate a belief that setbacks and obstacles can be overcome with effort and resilience. By adopting a growth mindset, you’ll approach challenging situations with a positive and adaptable mindset. Now, I won’t lie, this isn’t easy! Being overly positive in response to setbacks can actually do more harm than good, but trying to approach challenges in a positive way, letting yourself think negatively for a small amount of time, before focusing on what you can do about it, can massively improve your resilience.
- Seek support networks and professional communities. Connect with other leaders and professionals who can relate to your experiences and provide guidance and support. Share your challenges, seek advice, and learn from the experiences of others. Building a strong support system can enhance your resilience during difficult times. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability to peers and those who you trust. The chances are that the challenges that you’re facing aren’t 100% new or unique, so open up to others who may have felt, or be feeling the same way.
- Embrace change and adaptability. In times of uncertainty, change is inevitable. Develop a mindset that is open to change and adaptable to new circumstances. Find opportunities within change and focus on the possibilities it presents rather than dwelling on the challenges.
Remember, prioritising your well-being and managing stress effectively is not only beneficial for you as a leader, but it also sets a positive example for your team. By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthier work environment and foster a culture of well-being.
