As much as 70% of people say that their managers have the greatest impact on their mental health, significantly more than their doctors or psychotherapist. Managers Have Major Impact On Mental Health: How To Lead For Wellbeing (forbes.com)

Wow, this is staggering. It makes you reflect on the significance of the role of a leader and the impact to the mental health of the people and to himself.

Leaders are already under a lot of pressure. They must add value to the impatient boards, demanding stakeholders, changing consumers while keeping ahead of the ever-aggressive competition. And, on top of that, keep the organization sane, happy and productive.

Here are some ways a leader can work better to improve the mental health of the people without forgetting his/her own:

1. Increase self-awareness – Understand your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Use tools to help you measure your impact and effectivity. Watch out against your own biases and defensiveness. Don’t be surprised if you find out that you are the problem. Self-awareness, owning and working on your gaps are the key steps towards personal mastery.

2. Communicate, communicate, communicate – Do not under-estimate the power of your presence as a leader and being accessible. Talk about the big picture – Vision, Mission, Purpose. Remind the people of the ‘Why’ you are all working together.

3. Listen deeply – Listen with genuine curiosity on what they have to say.  Create an environment where people can speak freely on how to improve productivity, effectiveness and results, without risk of judgement.

4. Take ‘the right’ action – People mistrust leaders who care only for their careers and take actions that only benefit themselves. Equally frustrating are leaders who take no responsibility for their actions, and those who are indecisive/does not take action despite having enough information.

5. Be clear, prioritize and stick to the plans – Once the plans are set, communicate and stick with them. Prioritize so people don’t get overwhelmed and confused. Don’t keep changing plans or priorities unless there are new and sufficient information. Clarify conflicting directions or priorities. Changing plans and unclear priorities waste a lot of efforts and a huge source of stress.

6. Celebrate – Take time to celebrate the results AND also the people. Recognize the people behind the result. Use this opportunity to connect people especially in a hybrid organization.

7. Work on your mental fitness – Sleep well. Eat well. Exercise. Re-charge alone and with your loved ones, whatever works for you. You cannot help others take care of their mental health if you are not mentally fit yourself. Seek help and support, if needed. It is not a sign of weakness. It is working smart.

What else would you add to this list?

❤️ Barbara

#leadership
#wellbeingintheworkplace
#mindfullivingasia