Leading through stressful times

Stress and Leadership

Whether it’s Brexit, climate change or just bringing up your kids there seems to be a constant flow of reminders of the increasingly stressful times we live in. Are we really ALL stressed?!

Coping with stress?

For many of us some level of stress can be positive and stimulate high performance, however for the majority, the general understanding and awareness is a negative one.

In fact, according to the World Health Organisation, stress is an epidemic. The world is arguably less stable, more unpredictable and the pace of change is ever-increasing and the resulting stress has a cost - physically, emotionally and financially.

What role can our leaders play, whether in business, the public eye or in day to day life? They have an opportunity to make a significant impact on those that look up to them or report to them therefore it’s useful to look at how stress affects them, how they manage it and the effect that has on their teams. Leaders can themselves be a major cause of stress…………or they can be a solution!

(for “leaders”, you can substitute “parents if you wish”!)

When you are struggling mentally, emotionally or physically, how difficult is it to put that aside and effectively drive your team forward productively?

Wellbeing is increasingly seen as a core business skill which allows you to reach and sustain optimal performance, and it is even more important for leadership and your ability to navigate your team through stressful times. Someone who can manage their own wellbeing and stimulate others to do the same is a true leader.

What makes an effective leader?

This comes from an ability to communicate, to actively listen to people (that includes listening to themselves) and be inclusive, to nurture relationships. This doesn’t come naturally to everyone. The strength of an organization lies in its values and its culture, and the relationships of its people, the human to human connections, shapes this culture

The approach of leaders to their team, and the impact of this approach on their reports is a vital factor in determining office morale, and ultimately the effectiveness and productivity of the organization overall. Research shows us that the higher employee engagement and satisfaction is, the more productive those employees are.

How do you know if you are a good leader? Are you qualified to lead others because you have excelled in your current role?

Many organisations struggle because they promote individuals who are performing well but then have to “learn on the job” to succeed in influencing others and getting the best out of their teams.

Key competencies and skills are important in performing any role within an organization, but getting the best out of your staff relies on a human element, the ability to communicate effectively and create a rapport with your team that is positive for the individuals and productive for the business.

“Effective leadership is about inspiring more than instructing”

~ Dan Piler ~

This is where a Coach can be invaluable to both Leader and organization by guiding, challenging and supporting people through the difficult transition from successful team member to successful team leader and developing resilience in stressful times that resonates through their team and their company.

Developing strategic and future focused behaviours is essential for a leader in any industry. However, particularly as we consider the increasing awareness of stress and it’s impact on the population, it’s essential to balance this with behaviours more focused on your team members and their wellbeing. Your colleagues are more likely to feel motivated and committed if they feel supported, valued and are contributing to developing success.

Effective leadership is not so much about developing your own skills and being effective yourself, it’s about creating an environment where you motivate and inspire individuals to take responsibility and use initiative, empowering those around you to develop and fulfil their potential. It’s about creating a team of leaders all around you.

** Are you are interested in my 1:1 coaching or group coaching?

**Can coaching benefit your leaders and your teams?

If you want to speak to me about my coaching, about any subjects I have addressed in my blogs or any other issues on your mind, please submit the form on my contacts page or contact me through:

email: dan@danpiler.com

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