Leadership can be a demanding role, and it’s all too easy for leaders to become overwhelmed by the pressures and responsibilities that come with the job. However, there are steps that leaders can take to avoid or manage feelings of overwhelm.
As an executive leadership coach, here are five important tips I coach my clients, to help them avoid becoming overwhelmed:
Prioritize self-care: Leaders need to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally in order to be able to lead effectively. This means taking time to exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation.
Learn to delegate: As a leader, it’s easy to feel like you need to do everything yourself in order to ensure that it’s done right. However, delegating tasks to other team members can be a great way to reduce your workload and build the leadership skills of others.
Set boundaries: It’s important for leaders to set clear boundaries around their time and energy. This means learning to say “no” to tasks or requests that aren’t essential, and being mindful of the time and energy that different tasks require.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. By focusing on the present moment, leaders can reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and make more effective decisions.
Seek support: Leaders don’t have to go it alone. It’s important to seek out support from others, whether that’s through mentorship, coaching, or simply talking to a trusted colleague. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable perspective.
In summary, being a leader is not an easy task, but with the right mindset, skills, and support, leaders can avoid feeling overwhelmed and continue to lead effectively.
Lead From Within: One cannot expect to guide others effectively, if they themselves are not taking care of their own well-being. True leadership begins with leading by example.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.