In our article, Are leaders losing the lock-down love?, we looked at the dangers of tired leaders pulling back from the level of contact and demonstrated concern which they showed in the first weeks of lock-down. It is understandable – Leaders are weary and having to make tough decisions. And keeping a team buoyed up can feel like a burden.
In the webinar which goes with the article, we talk about the leadership shadow – the concept that you shadow falls on those you lead and, just like your shadow, it follows you. So what you do, say and impart will impact on your team and they are likely to follow you lie a shadow.
So now more than ever, as we are told that Lock-Down is by no means over, leaders need to find a second wind and lead positively.
But, as a wise leader recently pointed out to me – Leadership is not about being bright and bubbly every day. It is about making leadership sustainable – recognising that you are in for the long-haul and making sure you have the energy to keep going.
So what, can leaders, who have to be positive when they feel weary, negative and uncomfortable, do to make their energy sustainable?
Step One: Recognise you own humanity. As a leader you, no doubt, have a natural strength. That is why you were made a leader. But you are also a person with a body, a mind and a soul which needs care. If you do not look after your own wellbeing, how can you care for others?
Step Two: Accept your sphere of control. Many leaders are in that position because they like a sense of control over business, success, destiny and their own impact. But the present situation is limiting control. It is likely that you can control your own day and safety, help control your team’s focus, help your clients control their business strategy. But you cannot control the virus, the political decisions, the economy, and maybe not the tough decisions which have to be made. So rather than rail against what is happening, focus instead on what you can make happen.
Step three: Have a confidante. Even the toughest leader needs a friend. Unbundled thoughts and worries grow into fear. By talking to someone who will listen, question, challenge and advise, you can quickly get your thinking back to positive and what you can control. Also be the confidante. If you are a leader among many, then step forward and support others. That old adage comes through – a problem shared is a problem halved.
Step Four: Attend to your health. A healthy body usually goes with a positive mind-set. So make sure you are being kind to your body. Daily exercise will help you rid your body and brain of cortisol; a diet rich in Vitamins D and B, will enhance mood; a daily period of relaxation away from the computer listening to music, reading, just relaxing – whatever suit you – will quieten a mind; breathing exercises will quickly reduce tension.
Step Five: Put on the positive face. This is a tough ask, but leaders need to feel the pressure and smile instead. Make sure you are considered in your messaging, calm in the face of tough questions, honest when you can be and that you keep telling your team to keep going. This will end and you need to be the person who says so.
Next week, we will look at how you keep other people being positive.
