Anxiety has been on my mind recently for a variety of reasons. For mental health awareness week I thought it would be worthwhile to mention how often we find cases of anxiety at executive levels within organisations. People often seem to think that once you achieve seniority and success, you’ve naturally got your ‘stuff’ together and are less likely to suffer the ill effects of mental health.
In today’s fast-paced business world, leaders face not only the typical challenges of running an organisation but also the often-overlooked challenge of managing their own anxiety and mental health challenges.
Recognising and addressing anxiety at leadership levels is crucial for maintaining wellbeing, engagement and ensuring organisational success.
Spotting Anxiety in Leaders
Anxiety can manifest differently in leaders. Look out for signs such as:
- Increased Stress: If you notice a leader becoming more stressed than usual, it might be a sign of underlying anxiety.
- Perfectionism: Striving for excellence is admirable, but an excessive need for perfection can indicate anxiety.
- Overthinking: Leaders grappling with anxiety may overanalyse decisions or become indecisive.
- Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest physically through headaches, sleep disturbances, or other ailments.
Managing Anxiety at Leadership Levels
Is is essential that organisations develop strategies for anxiety management, such as:
- Self-Awareness: Leaders should be encouraged to acknowledge their anxiety. Self-awareness is the first step toward effective management.
- Open Communication: Encourage leaders to discuss their anxiety with trusted colleagues or mentors. Sharing burdens authentically can be incredibly liberating and it sets a good example to people at all levels.
- Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Where possible organisations should promote mindfulness and stress-reduction exercises as regular practices to keep anxiety in check.
- Delegation: Leaders often take on too much. Encourage delegation to avoid burnout and reduce anxiety.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Help leaders set achievable goals and expectations, both for themselves and their teams.
- Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to seek or offer professional help when needed. Therapists, coaches and EAP support services can provide valuable guidance and help during challenging times.
Creating a Supportive Culture:
Leadership should foster a culture where addressing mental health and anxiety is encouraged and supported. This includes:
- Training and Education: Educate your leadership team about the importance of mental health and how to support one another as well as their teams.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Where possible encourage flexibility to accommodate personal well-being.
- Eradicate Stigma: Encourage open conversations about mental health. A stigma-free environment is more likely to encourage and deliver help when necessary.
On the topic of stigma – it is amazing that in this ‘enlightened’ age, mental health issues are still treated very differently by many employers than physical health and other illnesses. Building an awareness of the potential for negative bias is the first step in embracing a more level playingfield.
Leadership is about more than just decision-making and strategy; it’s about nurturing a healthy and resilient team. When leaders manage their anxiety effectively, they set a positive example for the entire organisation and contribute to a happier, more productive workplace.
It is essential that organisations create a culture that values the well-being of its leaders and team members alike.
It is entirely possible to achieve success whilst positively and actively maintaining our mental and emotional health.
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