For most leaders – especially those in high-performance environments – stress can seem an almost ever-present aspect of the role. The position of authority and leadership can be one of the loneliest places in many organisations at times. Having to navigate complex challenges whilst simultaneously bringing those who look to you for direction along for the journey has a pressure all of its own – especially when you know the buck stops with you! That can be really stressful.
Seemingly April is Stress Awareness Month, an annual event observed each April since 1992, dedicated to increasing awareness about the causes and cures of stress. If stress is an at times inevitable dimension of high-performing roles then it’s just something that folks just have to learn to deal with whether it’s April or not, right? Well, yes and no.
Of course, stress comes with the expectations associated with leadership in pressure environments but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it as inevitable nor are its consequences something we cannot mitigate for. A good coach can help clients manage and navigate stress and stressful situations in a number of ways.
Mindfulness –The practice of mindfulness is one way of alleviating stress. Often associated with meditation mindfulness is simply about being more aware of our senses whilst observing our thoughts and emotions and acknowledging those thoughts and feelings without them overwhelming us. As well as reducing stress mindfulness can also help improve focus, enhance self-awareness, and promote emotional regulation all of which are core leadership traits.
Coping Strategies – Adopting effective coping strategies when we feel stressed is another way of managing stress in the workplace. Being active and connecting with people even briefly outside the work environment can be a great approach – having some me time as it were. Equally, challenging yourself and avoiding unhealthy habits can lead to a greater sense of command whilst helping others and being more disciplined and controlled in what we do – working smarter, not harder – can be great healers too.
Prioritisation – Extreme stress can ultimately lead to a feeling of complete overwhelm at which point effective leadership becomes almost impossible. It’s important to recognise the signs that we are reaching our limits and seeking help – the external help of a coach perhaps – around areas such effective setting goal setting, prioritisation, accountability and support all of which can lead to a greater sense of control and calm.
So, stress isn’t just something we need to reserve consideration for in April it’s something with the right help and support we can navigate any time ensuring that we remain the high-performing leaders that we know we are capable of being.
