The loneliness of leadership
At time leadership can feel very lonely and isolating.
Wether you are a business owner or lead any group of individuals it seems that everyone seems to want something from you, it comes from everywhere, and just keeps coming.
There isn’t a leader or business owner I have worked with who hasn’t felt like this. There is no space for them.
And rarely does anyone ask “how are you?”….you are seen as invincible and have everything perfectly balanced
I certainly felt like this in my past life as a leader.
We aspire to get to the top of the greasy pole, to get the prestige, power, recognition and financial rewards, an opportunity to be part of something and to have our say.
There are so many decisions to make, complex problems to solve, as well as guiding and inspiring a team or organisation towards success and delivering a vision.
It’s expected that you are always performing at a consistent high level, and always have the answer or solution to everything thrown your way.
The demands of your role require huge amounts of time and energy, finding the energy to balance your personal and professional life can be exhausting, and often it’s the personal relationships that become strained.
And when you want feedback, people around you may hesitate to provide you truly honest feedback, leaving you disconnected from the realties and concerns of the people you lead, which can be very isolating.
My 5 tips for lessening and sharing the burden
1. Get a coach. If I had my time again, I would have hired a coach. I work with many high performers, and often it’s just the space we create that comes up with the answers, re energises and keeps them accountable.
2. Cultivate a trusted support network outside the organisation where you can have space for yourself i.e., a mentor, professional networks, who can provide guidance and understanding.
3. Peer networks of other leaders who can empathise with your challenges, offer support and advice. They are often experiencing what you are experiencing.
4. Try have a healthy work – life balance and nourish the meaningful relationships outside of work.
5. Prioritise your health. Exercise, good nutrition, great habits are a must. There is no problem that doesn’t seem a little lighter after a good workout!
Have a intentional, happy and fulfilled week
Wether you are a business owner or lead any group of individuals it seems that everyone seems to want something from you, it comes from everywhere, and just keeps coming.
There isn’t a leader or business owner I have worked with who hasn’t felt like this. There is no space for them.
And rarely does anyone ask “how are you?”….you are seen as invincible and have everything perfectly balanced
I certainly felt like this in my past life as a leader.
We aspire to get to the top of the greasy pole, to get the prestige, power, recognition and financial rewards, an opportunity to be part of something and to have our say.
There are so many decisions to make, complex problems to solve, as well as guiding and inspiring a team or organisation towards success and delivering a vision.
It’s expected that you are always performing at a consistent high level, and always have the answer or solution to everything thrown your way.
The demands of your role require huge amounts of time and energy, finding the energy to balance your personal and professional life can be exhausting, and often it’s the personal relationships that become strained.
And when you want feedback, people around you may hesitate to provide you truly honest feedback, leaving you disconnected from the realties and concerns of the people you lead, which can be very isolating.
My 5 tips for lessening and sharing the burden
1. Get a coach. If I had my time again, I would have hired a coach. I work with many high performers, and often it’s just the space we create that comes up with the answers, re energises and keeps them accountable.
2. Cultivate a trusted support network outside the organisation where you can have space for yourself i.e., a mentor, professional networks, who can provide guidance and understanding.
3. Peer networks of other leaders who can empathise with your challenges, offer support and advice. They are often experiencing what you are experiencing.
4. Try have a healthy work – life balance and nourish the meaningful relationships outside of work.
5. Prioritise your health. Exercise, good nutrition, great habits are a must. There is no problem that doesn’t seem a little lighter after a good workout!
Have a intentional, happy and fulfilled week