Leadership is a balancing act, especially during times of crisis. While it’s important to stay focused on business goals and objectives, it’s equally important to take care of yourself and your team. Leaders who prioritize their well-being and the well-being of their teams are better equipped to face difficult challenges and help their organization weather the storm.
In fact, studies have shown that leaders who practice self-care and promote well-being in their teams are more effective in their roles. As shared in Harvard Business Review, leaders who prioritize their well-being and self-care report higher levels of job satisfaction and better work-life balance. They are able to think more clearly, make better decisions, and communicate more effectively. Additionally, when leaders model self-care, it sends a message to their team that they are valued and cared for, which can boost morale and motivation.
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant.”
Jim Rohn, Author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker
However, prioritizing well-being and self-care is not just about taking time off or going on vacation. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel supported and encouraged to take care of themselves. This can include offering mental health resources, flexible work hours, or even just checking in regularly with team members to see how they are doing.
Leaders also need to be transparent and communicate clearly with their team during uncertain times. Keeping the lines of communication open can help alleviate anxiety and stress and promote a sense of trust within the organization. Sharing regular updates on the company’s performance and direction can help employees feel more secure and motivated.
Creating a culture of support is also crucial during challenging times. Encouraging team members to support each other, both personally and professionally, can help build a sense of community and foster resilience. This can include virtual coffee breaks, team-building activities, or even just encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day to recharge.
Finally, leaders must be willing to learn from their experiences and adapt their strategies as needed. By reflecting on past challenges, leaders can identify areas for growth and improvement and develop better problem-solving skills. This can lead to greater success in the future and a more resilient organization overall.
Leadership during challenging times requires a focus on both business objectives and well-being. By prioritizing self-care, promoting open communication, creating a culture of support, and learning from experiences, leaders can help their organization navigate through difficult times and emerge stronger on the other side.
Here are five ways to lead with resilience during tough times:
Lead with Empathy
As a leader, it’s important to remember that our employees will pick up on our stress and it will radiate through the ranks. By leading from the front with compassion for ourselves and our team, we can model understanding and support. Tangible support is also important: this could mean offering flexible hours or remote work options, offering therapy or coaching options, or simply making yourself available for regular check-ins where employees can voice their concerns and feel our validation. Of course, this is predicated on us putting on our own oxygen masks first, so that we can effectively support those around us.
Offer Frequent & Clear Communication
It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. Make sure you are regularly communicating with your team, whether through email updates, video calls, or other methods. Transparency around company direction and performance is important—if possible, provide regular updates on how the business is doing and what steps you’re taking to ensure its success in difficult times. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from employees too. Their insights can often provide invaluable advice that can help lead your team out of this challenging time.
Model Healthy Self-Care & Wellness
As CEOs and leaders, it’s easy to put our own needs last. But during times of stress, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care, so that we can be effective in our support of others. Figure out what works best for you, whether it’s taking a few minutes each day to meditate or go for a walk, getting enough sleep, eating properly, or seeking external support from a therapist or coach. In these moments, taking care of ourselves is essential to leading effectively. A leader that models self-care sets an example for their team to prioritize it as well.
Foster a Culture of Growth
True resilience requires learning from your experiences to create positive change for yourself and those around you. If you’ve found that you don’t know where to send your team to get support, now’s the time to find resources. If you feel like your team has a lack of trust or spaces that feel safe during times of crisis, now’s the time to start building. Learning from crises can help us develop problem-solving skills that make us better equipped to handle similar challenges in the future as well as strengthening our ability to bounce back from setbacks more quickly than before. It also allows us to recognize opportunities for growth within ourselves and our teams, which can ultimately lead to greater success down the line.
Create an Emotionally Healthy & Safe Space to Disagree
Last but not at all least, during uncertain times, it’s essential to promote a nonjudgmental culture of support within your organization. Encourage your employees to support each other, whether it’s through virtual coffee breaks or regular check-ins. Make sure everyone knows they have access to mental health resources and support if they need it. Don’t cancel team-building activities: they don’t just help build camaraderie among coworkers; they also provide an opportunity for everyone to take their minds off the current situation and focus on something else instead.
Leading through challenging times requires a balance of business objectives and well-being, both for oneself and the team. By prioritizing self-care, creating a culture of support, fostering clear communication, leading with empathy, and learning from experiences, leaders can help their organization navigate through uncertain times and emerge stronger. With resilience and a focus on these key principles, leaders can effectively guide their team through any crisis.
