Stress Awareness – for Leaders

Stress – a word that can have so much stigma and negative connotation associated with it. Have you ever thought, or heard someone say, “If I mention I’m stressed, people may think I can’t cope, or I’m not capable of doing my job”. What a huge pressure to put on yourself. Everyone gets stressed. Everyone.

Here, Sophie Peaty, one of our Leadership Coaches, shares some key concepts for leaders to consider when it comes to stress.

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1. Vulnerability

According to thought leaders in this area like Brene Brown, Simon Sinek and Patrick Lencioni vulnerability is not a weakness, but “our most accurate measurement of courage” (Brene Brown). They assert (and Brown’s research backs this up) that leaders who are willing to be vulnerable, share their weaknesses and difficulties and admit mistakes are more likely to build trusting relationships, create a sense of safety and collaboration in their teams and nurture an environment where team members feel safe to share their own vulnerabilities.

Talking about stress in a constructive and honest way can leverage your leadership, rather than inhibit it. It’s time to be more open about how you’re feeling, even if (or especially if) you’re stressed.

2. Mindset

The best place to start this shift is with our mindset. Considering how we think about stress is an effective way to do this.

What comes to mind for you when you hear the word stress?
What images do you see in your mind?
What other words are associated with it?
How do these associations make you feel?
Do they add to the stress and make you feel worse?

What about if you reframed your mindset and adjusted the words and images that come to mind on hearing the word? Try these phrases:

What feelings am I experiencing? (be specific – not just stressed)
Pressure is a normal part of life, some pressure is helpful
The stress response stress is a survival mechanism, a super boost that your body gives you to tackle the demands and challenges.
I can manage pressures to reduce my stress
I can apply strategies that help me manage my stress.

Suddenly it doesn’t feel quite so bad. Check out the TED talk “How to make stress your friend” for an interesting look at this subject.

3. Leadership development.

As a senior leader, you have a responsibility to maintain and continue to build on your own effectiveness. Corporate coaching is a hugely beneficial way to improve your self-awareness, gain clarity on issues, problem solve and formulate action plans. Some of the key benefits you’ll find with leadership coaching are:

Objectivity and a safe space. Have you ever heard the saying ‘It can be lonely at the top’ – it is a common theme amongst leaders, this feeling of not being able to share their worries, or the need to hide their stresses and concerns from their team. Coaching provides a safe objective space for leaders to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and a coach will work with you to create solutions and actions.
Focus. One of the biggest contributors to stress that I hear from leaders, and in fact all clients, is that they have too much to do and not enough time. The thing is, you will never have more time, so its about how you use it, prioritise, and focus on what you can control. Coaching supports you in doing just this – and to recognise some of those underlying beliefs that could be getting in your way, or perhaps adding to your stress.
Boundaries. And finally, a common theme I often discuss with my clients is boundaries – is it ok that you are working 10/12 hours a day, are you getting any balance? Are you saying yes to everything? Do you feel like you are not always in control of what you are doing and when? Identifying what causes this for you, then discussing options for change and action is a brilliant way coaching can help to not just reduce stress, but to instil sustainable practices to help you manage it over time.

4. Rest / Refill

Of course, as with most things, moderation is key, and prolonged intense periods of stress are not good for anyone. Understanding ways to rest and refill will create a sustainable approach and ensure that when you need to hit the boost button you have enough in the tank.

Check out the Rest/Refill idea cards that suggest different ways to manage your stress levels. Whether you need passive rest, or more active refill, sprinkle these moments throughout your week to ensure you have balance.

As a leader you are a role model, your people will be looking at you for cues on how to behave under pressure. You set the standards of what is expected and accepted. So, if you want your teams to be able to perform well under pressure, to be productive and healthy you have to show them how it is done!

Sophie Peaty is a Leadership and Development coach, consultant and facilitator for Yellow Tree Wellbeing. Sophie’s worked as in-house learning and development since 2016 and was the Global Leadership Development Manager for The Body Shop.

Contact us to find out more about how corporate coaching can help your leadership skills.