The Importance of Leadership Wellness: Why It Matters
As a former executive leader in the Federal Government, I know good leadership and poor leadership; I know chronic stress and burnout; and I know the difference good health makes in the ability to lead well and the impact it has on team members.
Leadership in any capacity is demanding. Add to that the demands of life outside work, and those in leadership roles often neglect a critical aspect of their effectiveness: their own health and wellness. This was true for me, and I know it’s true for many.
What I came to learn is that the importance of prioritizing your own health as a leader cannot be overstated. Not only does it directly impact your personal wellbeing and that of your family, but it has direct correlation to critical thinking, decision-making, team morale, and organizational success.
The Connection Between Wellness and Leadership
1. Physical Health and Energy Levels
Effective leadership demands a high level of energy and stamina. Leaders who prioritize their physical health through regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, and adequate sleep are more likely to maintain the energy levels needed to perform their duties. Physical wellness directly affects a leader’s ability to stay alert, handle stress, and manage long hours.
I began my leadership journey leaving everything on the table at work and came home exhausted with nothing to give my family. Even then, the energy I had to give at work was low, and I survived on 3 fully-loaded Venti Mochas from Starbucks every day. I was not expecting the complete 180 my energy levels took when I prioritized my health and began eating food that actually nourished my body and mind. Within 2 weeks I had so much energy I couldn’t sit still, and I didn’t need those mochas to get me through the day. My energy levels only continued to improve as I began to sleep better and incorporate exercise. I became a different person, and a better leader for my family and team.
2. Mental Clarity and Decision-Making
Mental health is equally important for leaders. A leader’s decision-making abilities are enhanced when they are mentally fit. Stress, anxiety, and burnout can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions. By prioritizing mental wellness through brain-loving and mood-boosting foods, setting clear boundaries, gratitude practices, prayer and meditation, or seeking professional help when needed, leaders can maintain mental clarity and make better, more informed, strategic decisions.
I lived in a state of chronic stress for over a decade. Every day was a struggle, and I fought brain fog and lack of clarity constantly. You never would have known it though because I got really good at hiding it – at least at work. I depended on caffeine, carbs, and sugar to keep me going. Where it showed was at home. I was not a good leader for my family. The “what’s for dinner” question sent me over the edge. Again, when I started to prioritize my health and eat anti-inflammatory foods, the brain fog lifted and I could think again. My home life became 10x better and so did my job performance. I was able to handle stress at work and stress at home in ways I didn’t think were possible.
3. Emotional Intelligence and Team Dynamics
Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s also about managing relationships. Emotional intelligence, which involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who are emotionally well can better understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team members. This fosters a positive work environment and improves team dynamics.
I will never forget one of the biggest EQ mistakes I made. I was a new deputy chief in a new-to-me office trying to sort out a confusing, multi-sided conflict. I was not self-aware enough with my own emotions to deal with this situation properly, having switched offices to run away from a bad situation. In my poor attempt to sort things out, I talked to everyone except the person at the center of it, and I made my decision. It was not my finest hour, and I hurt the person unintentionally. I regret the way I handled it, but I certainly learned from it. As I grew as a leader, and got my own self together, I was able to think clearly enough to develop that much needed self-awareness it takes to be a good leader and pass that on to my team.
The Benefits of Leadership Wellness
To quote John Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” This is true in all areas of life, not just business. When a leader is healthy, the team is more likely to be healthy.
There are numerous benefits to leadership wellness, not the least of which is to the leader personally, but to those in their sphere of influence. When good leaders thrive, they empower their teams to do so as well. The following are a few examples of the benefits of leadership wellness:
1. Enhanced Productivity
A leader’s wellness directly impacts their productivity. When leaders are in good health, they are more efficient and effective in their roles. They can better manage their time, prioritize tasks, and lead their teams to achieve organizational goals. This, in turn, boosts the overall productivity of the team.
2. Improved Team Morale
Leaders who model good wellness habits inspire their teams to follow suit. When team members see their leader taking care of their own health, they are more likely to prioritize their own wellness. This creates a culture of well-being within the organization, leading to higher morale, reduced absenteeism, and increased job satisfaction.
3. Resilience and Adaptability
In today’s business environment, resilience and adaptability are crucial. Leaders who are physically, mentally, and emotionally well are better equipped to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Their resilience sets a tone for the rest of the organization, encouraging a culture of perseverance and continuous improvement.
Practical Steps for Leaders to Enhance Their Wellness
There are many ways that leaders can enhance their health and wellbeing. And in many aspects, it’s a personalized effort. However, there are actions that leaders can take across the board to prioritize and promote wellness.
1. Prioritize Self-Care
Leaders should make self-care a non-negotiable part of their routine. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and time for relaxation and hobbies. By taking care of their physical health, leaders can ensure they have the energy and stamina to lead effectively.
This could look like scheduling one day off a month to do things outside of work that need to get done or to get a massage. This could look like intentionally scheduling breaks in your day to get away from your desk, allowing your brain to have a mini rest, which improves creativity and productivity. This could look like setting hard boundaries for your work hours.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as gratitude, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help leaders manage stress and improve their mental clarity. Mindfulness helps leaders stay present, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain a calm demeanor in the face of challenges.
This could look like keeping a gratitude journal. This could look like scheduling breathing breaks into your day. This could look like hitting the gym before work for a sweat session or yoga class to increase “happy hormones” and set a positive tone for the day.
3. Seek Support
Leaders should not hesitate to seek support when needed. This could be in the form of professional coaching, therapy, or mentorship. Having a support system allows leaders to discuss their challenges, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies.
This could look like meeting for coffee with your mentor once a week. This could look like hiring a health coach or a high performance coach who can help you break through barriers. This could look like setting up appointments with your company’s Employee Assistance Service for some counseling sessions.
4. Foster a Culture of Wellness
Leaders should also promote wellness within their organizations. This can be achieved by providing resources for physical and mental health, encouraging work-life balance, and creating an environment where wellness is valued and supported. When wellness is integrated into the organizational culture, everyone benefits.
When leaders model the way, a culture of wellness often follows. This could look like closing up for the day even though you “didn’t get it all done.” This could look like asking a stressed out employee who has already been at work for 9 hours to go home. This could look like having “walk and talk” meetings instead of sitting at a desk for the meeting.
Conclusion
The importance of leadership wellness extends beyond the individual leader to impact the entire organization. Effective leadership starts with a commitment to wellness, paving the way for sustainable success and a thriving organizational environment. A well leader is a strong leader.
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