7 Tips on How to Navigate the Stresses of Leadership
Written by Jessica Fender
Being in charge of a team can drain you, both physically and emotionally, if you’re not too careful. People who work with you often don’t have the foresight to understand how their words and actions can affect you just as much as anyone else. However, as a leader of a team, you need to stay strong for everyone else to be able to do their jobs well. So, you may be wondering “How can I cope with the ongoing stress that comes with leading others?” Here are some tips on how to manage it:
Talk to someone about your stress and anxiety.
You shouldn’t ever bottle up your stress. Whether you’re having problems with team members, deadlines or feedback on your latest project, you should talk about it. Call a close friend, your mom or someone you trust and tell them all about it. Even if they’re not familiar with whatever you’re working on, they will listen to and comfort you. By simply talking about what’s been bothering you aloud, you’ll relieve so much stress and refocus your energy on problem solving.
Appoint a “number one” helper.
Every great captain has their Number One go-to, just like Captain Picard does on Star Trek! You need someone who you can rely on when the going gets tough at work. Appoint an assistant or a co-manager who is easy to work with and who will relieve your stress, too.
No one can shoulder the weight of an entire team, their projects and individual worries and goals on their own. By having an assistant or an unofficial helper, you’ll be able to breathe easier in between work sessions.
Reserve a self-care day during the week.
Leaders need to reserve a day (if they’re able to) that’s dedicated to self-care, whether it’s on Sunday or another day of the week. Thinking about your team and working 24/7 won’t bode well for you and your company, so it’s best to rest and recharge at least one day during the week. If you don’t, your stress will continue to build up, and you might go off on your colleagues or people close to you. During your self-care day, just shut everything out. Perhaps read a book, watch TV, go outside or simply sleep all day. Do whatever works best for you to rejuvenate from the stresses of the work week so you can go back to work and lead others.
Avoid conflicts if possible; look for solutions instead.
No one likes to fight others, even if they say they’re a confrontational or dominant person. You simply waste too much energy if you fight with people you work with because, at the end of the day, you still work together. Instead of wasting precious energy and work hours on confrontation, try to solve the issues at hand. How can you solve the problem your team is facing with the least amount of friction? Leading others doesn’t have to be stressful: We make it seem stressful because people are inherently different from one another. Give everyone on your team a chance to speak up in a controlled-discussion environment to find solutions that everyone will be satisfied with.
Keeping a diary/journal can help maintain your sanity.
Writing helps people in different ways. For me, it came in the form of journaling. I have a notebook in my bag at all times so I’m ready if I ever need to write something down. I like to journal about my day and then review what I’ve been through during the weekend. This helps me understand the challenges I’ve experienced and the obstacles I’ve overcome. I treat it as a writing assignment, just like in college. As a student, I’ve often thought “I’d like help to write my thesis better,” and I’d turn to a reliable writing service for help. As an adult, I cherish those college years, and so I use my writing experience to deal with stress in a more manageable way.
Don’t project your standards onto others; we are all different.
We are all very different from one another – as a leader, I’ve found this out on multiple occasions. The secret to leading others is to find a way for everyone to stay on the same page. You’re not just a project manager when you lead others. You are a role model, mentor and friend. You can use your position of authority to project an aura of trust and collaboration with others. It’s never a good idea to assume an authoritarian stance even if you’re the project manager. If you accept people’s differences and learn to play well with others, your stress will be dramatically reduced soon thereafter.
Go to bed early, even if you stare at the ceiling at first.
Being grumpy from sleep deprivation will quickly make you confrontational. This is dangerous for leaders since people will look to you for guidance and support. Make it a habit to go to bed early and try to get eight hours of sleep each night. You can listen to podcasts or read a book just before you fall asleep. Likewise, you can write diary entries or have a cup of warm tea before you doze off. Avoid social media and television, however, since they can distract you. By being well-rested, you will be a more attentive, caring leader than ever before.
Learning to Navigate the Stresses of Leadership
It may take some time for you to strike a good balance of self-care and caring for others on your team. At times you’ll need to prioritize your own mental and physical wellbeing while also listening to your team’s worries and complaints. Be a mediator and a shoulder to lean on for people around you while also taking care of your own well-being. Practicing these tips are sure to help alleviate your stress and anxiety.
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