Managing Concerns, Apprehension, Nervousness, Tension, and Stress Levels
Leaders Embrace Self-Reflection and Values-Based Leadership for Mental Health and Well-being
During a presentation on values-based leadership, a speaker revealed the secrets to their success and mental health. When asked about what keeps them up at night, the speaker emphasised the importance of self-reflection and values-based leadership.
The speaker mentioned that AI's inroads into the workplace and nonstop social-media blitzes are common causes of insomnia for leaders. However, they have found solace in spending 15 minutes each evening in self-reflection, thinking about what went well and what didn't go well that day.
This routine helps the speaker focus on two goals: to do the right thing and to do the best they can. The speaker believes that this mindset significantly reduces stress, which supports health and well-being, especially considering that 55 percent of CEOs and 50 percent of their team members experience mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
The speaker emphasized the importance of being prepared for difficulties and challenges, as they are inevitable. They encourage embracing uncertainty and asking oneself what the worst thing that could happen tomorrow is, in order to be better prepared for unexpected situations.
Research shows that this mindset of doing the right thing reinforces values-based leadership, which emphasizes influencing and relating to others. This approach helps combat negative emotions such as worry, fear, anxiety, pressure, and stress.
The speaker stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with people whose values and perspectives are trusted, as a team is crucial for identifying the right thing to do and executing it effectively. They compared life to a sine wave, suggesting it is likely to have ups and downs.
Even in the worst-case scenario, self-reflection and engaging with other values-based people will help determine the right thing to do, according to the speaker. They highlighted the importance of self-reflection and seeking the perspectives of trusted advisors in determining the right thing to do, especially during difficult times.
The speaker has found it tremendously helpful and healthy to know that no matter what happens, with the help of others, they will do the right thing and do the best they can. This holistic approach is vital because stress and mental health issues are not only personal challenges but also performance and risk management concerns that require leadership courage and structural change to address effectively.
Sources:
- Forbes
- Harvard Business Review
- Journal of Positive Psychology
- Academy of Management Journal
In light of the speaker's emphasis on self-reflection and values-based leadership for mental health and well-being, it's evident that prioritizing the right thing, as guided by one's values, helps combat negative emotions such as worry, fear, anxiety, pressure, and stress. This mindset, supporting health and well-being, is particularly crucial for leaders given that a significant percentage of CEOs and their team members confront mental-health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
