Business leaders: prioritize mental health for success

Leaders are often so focused on others that they neglect their needs. Serving your team and those around you is great but can lead to burnout and struggles. Even the best leaders need to focus inward and take care of themselves to ensure the energy and focus on their team. Being overworked, over-tired, and stress can eliminate all the hard work a leader does and sabotage results.

Often, a leader does not realize that their mental health is struggling until it is too late. This can result in loss of effectiveness, distrust, financial loss, and much more. Leaders must be proactive to avoid mental health problems that lead to destruction.

Here are five ways for leaders to combat these problems and give the best to themselves and their teams:

Set boundaries

Leaders must establish boundaries to prevent their workload from overwhelming and negatively impacting their mental health. They should define their work hours and communicate them clearly to their team. Setting realistic expectations helps avoid the pressure of constant availability. Delegating tasks to capable team members not only shares the workload but also empowers others. Leaders should also prioritize their personal lives by allocating time for family, friends, and personal interests outside of work. I highly recommend the book Boundaries For Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud.

Practice self-care

Self-care is essential for leaders to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain their mental well-being. It involves engaging in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental health. Regular exercise helps improve mood and energy levels. Getting sufficient rest, including quality sleep, allows leaders to rejuvenate. They enjoy hobbies or activities providing a sense of fulfillment and relaxation. Additionally, practicing mindfulness or meditation can help manage stress and enhance focus. Self-care may seem vague, and that’s intentional. You must find what hobby, games, or tasks that work best for you. I love yard work and building Legos for my downtime!

Seek support networks

Building a strong support system is crucial for leaders. Mentors, both within and outside their organization, provide guidance and wisdom based on their experiences. Joining professional networks or leadership development programs creates opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges. Engaging with these networks helps leaders gain different perspectives, share concerns, and seek advice when needed. I meet with a group of leaders once per month for this very purpose. Let me know if you are interested in joining! (Email me: PhilK@edmondbusiness.com)

Foster open communication

Leaders should create an environment where open communication is encouraged, and team members feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, concerns, and challenges. Regularly check in with team members individually and as a group to assess their well-being and provide the necessary support. Actively listen to their concerns without judgment and offer guidance or resources when appropriate. By fostering open dialogue, leaders can identify and address potential issues that may affect the mental health of their team.

Lead by example

Leaders significantly influence the work culture and the behaviors of their team members. When leaders prioritize their mental health and self-care, it sets a positive standard for others. Communicate openly about the importance of mental well-being, encouraging team members to do the same. Share personal experiences and coping strategies to foster a supportive environment. By practicing self-care and promoting a healthy work-life balance, leaders create a culture that values and prioritizes mental health.

Don’t let your mental health get away from you! Be proactive and try one (or more) of these tips today. And if you’re struggling, please reach out to me – I’d love to help you connect with resources that can help or be a listening ear.