How Do Good Leaders Handle Stress?

ByDanny Flemings

It’s inevitable – stress. It cannot be avoided in life let alone in leadership. I know I can be pretty intense sometimes. Some may even say stubborn and head strong. If I’m being honest with myself, I think my desire to be “great” and prove to myself and those I care about that I’m more than capable adds a self-inflected high level of expectation. When I feel I’m not going to meet those expectations or if I believe there’s something or someone that may divert me off track then I stress out. That honest self-reflection prompted me to seek out how do good leaders handle stress so I can help myself and hopefully help others along my journey.

“Stress starts and ends in one’s mind”

– the Book of Happiness

Many leaders, especially new leaders, don’t often think about managing stress as a leader. If I could go back in time when I was just starting out, stress management skills would definitely be added as a high priority for my leadership skills development. There are multiple negative effects of stress if not recognized and addressed in a timely manner. 

Stress has physical impacts that can range in symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, indigestion and stomach problems just to name a few. Likewise, stress can cause psychological problems too such as depression, anger, anxiety, and declines in motivation and interest. Then there is the professional impact on poorly managing stress like low morale, loss of production, poor attendance, employee turnover, and reduction in revenue and profits.

What is Stress?

In order to really value and understand the need to know how to effectively lead through stress means we need to understand what is stress. “Definition of stress, as most people know the term, is a response to excess tension. This may arise from life experiences, work, or only a perception of being a little out of command.” Trend Health.

A RESPONSE TO EXCESS TENSION… this brings me back to self-reflection. I can recall countless times I felt excess tension and I’m sure there have been times as well you can recall. It’s the end of the quarter and you are looking at the goals thinking you’re still not where you want to be. (Notice I didn’t say you still haven’t hit your goals because in my world the higher ranked you are, the better, and that always means going above and beyond your goals). How about the time you had multiple employees call in but you have customers to serve regardless? Maybe a time you had a dozen tasks to complete in a short timeframe and your boss kept adding more work to your plate?

Amazon

“Stress primarily comes from not taking action over something that you can have some control over”

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos

But in the heat of the moment, the potential to give in to stress, lose control, and blow up is high when you don’t have a consistent routine and built a habit of managing stress. Here are some stress management techniques and activities that can help you move through and beyond stress. The bonus is they can not only help you as a leader but in your life in general.

Personal Focus

Meditation

This has become more accepted in recent years especially as more scientific and medical research support the benefits of meditation. When we experience stress, our bodies produce a chemical called Cortisol. Prolonged exposure to Cortisol can have serious negative affects to our bodies. Meditation is one technique to help reduce stress by creating a state of relaxation and calm.

Exercise and Yoga

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conditions that regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Regular exercise can prolong life, boost energy, improve mood, and help with better sleep. A physically stronger you can help you on your path to become the great leader you are destined to be.

Diet and Nutrition

Very similar to exercising, good nutrition is important to your overall physical health and mental well-being. A Good diet can have the same benefits as exercise and contribute to a better you…and a better you equate to a better leader.

Have a Hobby or an Outlet

Another great way to reduce and manage stress is having something that helps you refocus your mind and energy. Activities such as cross-word puzzles, mobile and video gaming, or crafting can be great for giving you some quality down time and help you rejuvenate. For a bonus try combining exercise activities as your hobby and doing things like running or team sports.

Dedicate Regular Time to Spend with Family and Friends

Multiple studies have shown the positive benefits of social interaction on physical and psychological welfare. Take regular time out and away from stress by focusing on those you care most about.

Professional Focus

Delegate

One person can only do so much. Remember the definition of stress? Excessive tension. Perception of being a little out of command. Well, taking on too much can definitely bring excessive tension and give a strong sense of not being in command. Delegating is good for you, and it benefits your team by helping them improve their job and professional skills. It also gives them exposure and experience to help them one day progress in their careers.

For a look at the power of delegation read the post Empower Your Team and Yourself—Delegate! And Never Stop!

Learn to Say "No"

I just mentioned taking on too much. The best response to requests sometimes is to refuse their requests with “no.” Granted you may not have a boss you can so “I’ll pass on that task” but you can highlight the things you are currently working on and ask if there is someone else that can take that on or if you can tackle it at a later time. Likewise, you can limit request for your time and attention from peers and external influences. The main point here is to know your priorities and focus on them.

Get a Venting Buddy

I have a few people I can call or visit, rant about whatever is irritating me, and walk away without worrying if they will tell others or hold it against me in the future. We all need that I think. That one person we can trust to listen without judgement. That release of tension and frustration can go a long way toward managing stress and being a stable leader for your team.

Maintain a Work-Life Balance

Take your vacation, don’t skip it. Enjoy your day off. Disconnect at the end of the work day…and do the things I mentioned above. Prolonged stress can lead to burnout. Burnout is good for no one. Not good for you, not good for your team, not good for your company, and certainly not good for your family. Making the decision to take time away often FEELS counter-intuitive and counter-productive but in fact it’s wise leadership. A refreshed and rejuvenated leader is an asset to the team.

This is Just the Start...

I realize reading this article won’t miraculously help you get rid of stress forever. I do hope it will help drive your awareness to the importance of stress management in leadership development. Furthermore, if you are a new leader, I hope it helps you realize the need for developing your stress management skills now and how it can help you elevate your effectiveness as a leader.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out other articles on Novice Leader such as Tips on Managing Poor Performance for New Leaders

Also, be sure to visit and subscribe to the Novice Leader YouTube channel and join the Novice Leader community to stay connected. As our community grows, we will bring you more content and resources to help support your development.

Thank you for visiting and…

Don’t forget- You are the Leader You Choose to Be!

REFERENCES:

Similar Posts