In the past four years, we have experienced many changes in how people work—a global pandemic, the great resignation, quiet quitting, political unrest, and so on. Many people are proving they can work from anywhere and be productive. This is great news for most, but the roller coaster of 2020 and beyond comes with a price for top-level executives.
All too often, the CEO and their top executive teams in each organization have been responsible for carrying the “lion’s share” of responsibility to keep their organization running and their people safe. It can be lonely at the top, and many CEOs have come to us for coaching to lead to the best of their abilities, no matter what is thrown at them on any given day.
A new report from Businessolver, a provider of benefits and HR technology solutions, revealed that 55% of CEOs have experienced a negative mental health issue within the past year — a 24-point jump over 2023 and a level not seen since the pandemic.
As we have adopted a 24/7 style of working, since most of us can work from anywhere, we have encountered new challenges. Burnout is real at all levels, especially at the top.
During this time and into the future, leaders can benefit from practicing what we can call “Humane Leadership” with their people and also with themselves.
Many executives are reimagining what their lives would be like if they were doing something with more purpose and meaning, and this can lead to turnover at the top—and it can happen quickly and sometimes without much warning.
So, how do we, as leaders, prevent the loss of our top people? And how do you, as a leader, ensure that you are in a role that actually makes you happy and gives meaning to your work?
It’s important to make a living but also to feel fulfilled and “lit up” doing what you love. No job is perfect. Your light may dim sometimes, too, to just a flicker. But don’t be afraid; understand that this might be a stage of life or a moment to give yourself grace and be patient with yourself. Give yourself the same kind of grace you would give to others you love, and go easy on yourself as you move through whatever is happening in your life as you continue to strive to be the best you can be.
It’s true: no matter where you are in your career and how many accolades you have received, it’s never too late to pivot or reinvent yourself and find a rewarding new career. Many of the skills you’ve acquired in previous positions could be transferable, and your leadership skills can be applied to many different organizations. As you think about what’s next, you can also consider returning to school to obtain another degree in a field that interests you. No matter your age. This is your life and your plan, and you get to design your path with all of its beautiful twists and turns and ups and downs.
We all hit speed bumps and detours in our careers. Sometimes, life can surprise you with unexpected and unplanned circumstances. Inevitably, there will be challenges in the future. When those challenges arise, how you handle them and what you learn from them will make all of the difference. A great leader can face adversity and lead their team through almost anything with empathy and grace.
Times like these should remind you of what is truly important: your people. Your people, if inspired, will do what it takes to keep the company running and hopefully thriving, too.
Leading an organization through the ups and downs of any crisis can take a lot out of you. Therefore, it’s essential to balance the busy seasons of work with some planned downtime. Maintaining physical and mental health and clarity about your career and personal life is very important.
How are you staying connected and motivated during the tough times?
- How are you creating balance for yourself to find resilience when you need it?
- What are you doing to refresh your body, mind, and spirit so that you can bring that balance back to your life, your teams, and your workforce?
When you take time off, do what you must to relax, recharge, and reconnect. This will enable you to refocus on bringing your best self to work daily.
Some of my favorite ways to practice self-care are simple and can be done almost anywhere.
The important thing is to create an intention and follow through with this commitment to yourself and your well-being for your sake and the sake of all of the people around you.
Morning meditation: What better way to start your day than with an inspiring and motivating meditation? Daily meditation has been proven to benefit your body and mind. It reduces stress and anxiety, and research shows that it also helps enhance your mood, promotes healthy sleep patterns, and boosts cognitive skills. I like the Insight Timer app. It has thousands of guided meditations from great teachers and will help you apply your renewed clarity to daily life.
Move your body: Immediately after my meditation, I pop out of bed for a workout before I start my workday. I feel more balanced, uplifted, and energized all day. In addition, morning exercise means that I’m getting my workout in and not being distracted by work or family, as I might be later in the day. My workouts include riding the Peloton, weight training, yoga, Pilates, or a brisk walk with my dog.
Massage it out: For those with busy schedules and lives, a regular massage helps you relax and decompress and is also a great way to practice self-care.
Connect with loved ones: Spend time with family and friends. Surrounding yourself with people who love, appreciate, and want only the best for you is a fundamental way to unplug and recharge. Laugh and unwind a bit after a long work week. Research shows that having a solid social network can help improve your mood and provide a sense of belonging.
How does this translate to the workplace and your work in particular? Nurturing yourself at work and home—and with your team—by practicing reflection and gratitude will inspire them and contribute to better results and greater overall success.
These powerful tools of self-care and introspection are the hallmarks of empathetic and humane leadership.
A “Humane” leader exemplifies the following traits:
- Empathy
- Humility
- Compassion
- Emotional intelligence
- Authenticity
- Vulnerability
- Openness
- Approachability
- Integrity
- Supportive
- Deep caring
- Transparency
- Respect
- Resilience
- Relatability
- Kindness
Humane leaders ask: What does my company really stand for? What do my people stand for? And what do I stand for? Humane leaders are values—and mission-driven leaders who get the best out of their people by being vulnerable and flawed and allowing that same “humanness” to be expressed by their people.
As a good and “humane leader,” you can motivate and inspire others and embrace and appreciate the gifts in every situation. Truly listen to your co-workers with the intent to get the best outcome. With authenticity and vulnerability, humane leaders know that our journey isn’t always linear, and they embrace opportunities for growth everywhere they see them. They proactively practice resilience while riding the waves of personal and business ups and downs.
And as a leader, it all starts with you.
So, occasionally, take a little time to reassess and continue to fine-tune what’s important in your life, both in the workplace and at home. It doesn’t have to be a hiatus; it can be a weekend, a day, or even a few hours. Encourage your team members to do the same. A little self-care and time away from the office to reflect will pay off dividends with productivity and results when you return to work.
Written by Mary Olson-Menzel.
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