I found myself in a room full of aspiring supervisors this week who were open to discussing the diverse range of challenges facing leaders in the modern workplace. It got me thinking of self-care and wellbeing, especially for those leaders, managers, and supervisors who are responsible for the welfare of others in the workplace. I use the analogy of the safety announcements on an aeroplane; one piece of advice that is always given is that you should always put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Stephen Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People talks about habit #7 ‘sharpen the saw’. Both analogies suggest that taking care of ourselves is extremely important to ensure that we take care of others when necessary. Covey goes on to say that self-care means “having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Leadership is a demanding and often all-consuming role”. Whether you’re leading a small team or heading up a large organisation, the responsibilities and pressures that come with leadership can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. Often in the pursuit of excellence, leaders forget to take care of their most critical asset: themselves. A 2021 study by LifeWorks & Deloitte Canada explored Wellbeing and Resilience in Senior Leaders and the results of the survey which included 1,158 senior leaders was sobering. The survey found that leaders are struggling with more than 8 out of 10 leaders (82%) reporting exhaustion indicative of burnout risk; 96% of leaders who reported exhaustion indicated that their mental health had declined. 6 out of 10 (63%) stated that they don’t make time for their personal well-being, either consistently or at all. In this blog, I will explore the importance of self-care for leaders and offer five valuable suggestions to help you prioritise self-care in your leadership journey.
The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for leaders. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, reduced effectiveness, and even serious health issues. When leaders prioritise their own well-being, they set an example for their teams, fostering a culture of well-being and resilience. Here are five key reasons why self-care is essential for leaders:
- Improved Decision-Making: Leaders are constantly faced with complex decisions. Taking time for self-care ensures you maintain a healthy mental and emotional state ensuring that you make informed choices and avoid impulsive decisions driven by stress or exhaustion.
- Enhanced Resilience: Research tells us that self-care practices help to build emotional and psychological resilience. Leaders who practice self-care are better equipped to handle setbacks, bounce back from failures, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.
- Increased Productivity: Deliberate self-care can lead to increased productivity. When you’re feeling well-rested and focused, you can accomplish more in less time, leading to better outcomes for you, your team and your organisation.
- Better Leadership Skills: Self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Engaging in self-care activities can deepen your self-awareness, helping you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of your actions on your team.
- Role Modelling: As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. When you prioritise self-care, you set a powerful example for your team, encouraging them to do the same and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Bearing all of the above in mind I would like to share my top self-care tips for Leaders. Even if the suggestions don’t appeal to you, they might trigger you to choose a different plan of action; the most important aspect of this is that you isolate time and action to ensure that self-care is built into your routine.
- Prioritise Sleep: I read somewhere recently that ‘a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures for anything’. Make sleep a non-negotiable priority to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Create a sleep-conducive environment, establish a bedtime routine, and avoid screens before bedtime to improve the quality of your rest.
- Set Boundaries: Effective leaders know how and when to say no. Establish clear and defined boundaries between work and personal life. Dedicate specific times to work, and outside of those hours, disconnect from work-related tasks including emails, texts, phone calls and any other form of contact between you and your work life. Protect your personal time to ensure that you recharge and connect with loved ones in a meaningful way.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness apps can help you manage stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. As little as a few minutes of mindfulness each day can have a significant impact.
- Take Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reducer and mood enhancer. Find a form of exercise you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, yoga, or dancing, and schedule these into your week. Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also your mental well-being.
- Delegate and Collaborate: Don’t try to carry the entire weight of leadership on your shoulders. Delegate tasks to capable team members and encourage collaboration. Effective delegation not only lightens your load but also empowers your team to grow and develop.
I recently received a copy of The Blissful Breath by Niall O’Murchu; it is a simple and practical book that provides simple stress-relieving tips and exercises accompanied by motivational words of wisdom. Niall also has a Podcast here is the link. It might be worth checking these out if you are concerned about self-care and well-being right now. One minor shift will make a big difference to your well-being, enhance your leadership capabilities, and set a positive example for your team. Modern Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint; to tackle the long haul, I recommend that you invest in your physical, mental, and emotional health through self-care practices. Your business, its people and your team will thank you for it.
Janet Tumulty
28.9.23