Despite their often cool, calm, and collected demeanour, business leaders are not immune to the emotional and psychological challenges that life and work can bring. The modern business environment is notorious for its demanding nature, placing considerable stress on business leaders who often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities.
For these reasons, it is crucial to recognise that leadership comes with a set of emotional and professional challenges that can take a toll on mental well-being, just as they can for any other team member.
So how can leaders take positive steps to better account for their mental wellbeing? Here are a couple of valuable tips for business leaders to better confront mental health challenges and feel more comfortable asking for help while applying these lessons to benefit their workforce:
Create a Culture of Openness and Trust
Acknowledging that leaders can struggle with mental health is a crucial first step. This recognition often comes with a unique set of challenges. Business leaders may be hesitant to share their mental health struggles openly due to the fear of appearing vulnerable and potentially undermining the confidence their team has in their leadership. Business leaders are not infallible forces but human beings experiencing common and ordinary issues.
However, embracing a more open approach can be transformative. It’s important to understand that seeking help and opening up about their mental health struggles is not a sign of weakness but rather a powerful demonstration of self-awareness and resilience. Importantly, this can also set   a powerful example for other members of the workplace. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their corporate roles or seniority within the company. By being completely honest and genuine about their mental health experiences, business leaders can create an environment where honesty is the norm.
Building a culture based on openness can constitute a significant step towards dismantling the stigma associated with mental health issues, as the rest of the team will look towards leadership to take the first step before following suit.
Promote Internal Mental Health Initiatives Â
Openly discussing personal mental health struggles is easier said than done. The ultimate goal is to advocate for transparency, trust and openness within the organisation – and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to be vulnerable and ask for support. Finding an advocate within the organisation who is passionate and committed to these initiatives can make a significant impact. To create an even larger impact within the organisation, business leaders can actively engage in the making of designated committees – including HR specialists within the company, experienced senior members of the teams, or simply passionate individuals keen to help – with the mission of providing ongoing mental health support in the workplace; something both employees and employers will be able to fully appreciate. Delegating responsibilities and encouraging engagement from others can ensure that the organisation’s efforts to support mental health are well-rounded and effective.
A few other effective steps can involve weaving mental health initiatives into the long-term company calendar. These efforts should not be limited to designated Mental Health Days but should become an integral part of the organisation’s culture and values. By scheduling and creating time for ongoing mental health initiatives, business leaders can create a more sustainable and supportive work environment – for both them and the rest of their teams.
Speak to a Mental Health Professional
While business leaders may need to provide the initial push for mental health initiatives, they don’t have to carry the burden alone. Seeking support outside of the organisation’s walls by connecting with mental health professionals can be very beneficial when experiencing these challenges. Taking a small step toward openness, perhaps by confiding in a group of trusted advisors or colleagues, can mark the beginning of a journey for better mental well-being. For example, at Vistage, we work closely with business leaders to help them prioritise self-care and personal development alongside professional responsibilities. We offer them the opportunity to connect with a vibrant worldwide community of like-minded business professionals, learn from their peers, and benefit from our experienced mentors.
Find Your Rhythm
Business leaders may passionately advocate for prioritising their workforce’s mental health and personal well-being. However, as they themselves grapple with their own mental health challenges, it becomes harder to drive the cultural and systemic change needed. But discovering a personal rhythm, mantra, morning ritual, or daily routine can significantly contribute to establishing the foundation for the transformative changes these leaders envision in their organisations.
For example, some practical first steps may include getting into the habit of blocking off time for personal and social commitments while ensuring completion of other work-related priorities; or introducing daily reminders to take a breath and pause for a while – this time that can be dedicated to a phone call with a loved one or a scheduled appointment with a certified therapist.
Even the simplest practices that allow leaders to prioritise their own downtime can yield substantial long-term changes. Whether it’s indulging in treats on selected days, silencing notifications after working hours, or carving out time within their workdays for exercise or peaceful walks, these moments of self-care can serve as powerful catalysts for improved mental health.
Establish Emotional Boundaries
In leadership roles making difficult calls, such as managing necessary layoffs or addressing other critical decisions, can be emotionally taxing. A good way to manage the level of emotional involvement required by these situations is to establish professional boundaries. Remain firm in the decision made while managing the task gracefully and respectfully. With that, business leaders should always approach these situations with respect, politeness, and kindness. The process should be communicated clearly allowing open support, resources, and lines of communication. This approach can benefit both parties: the individuals affected by the decisions on one side, and the business leaders managing their own levels of stress and emotions, on the other.
Setting clear boundaries can help avoid cases of extreme stress and burnouts, and the pressure that comes with managing an entire business. Often, delegation can be a great approach to help business leaders set boundaries between work and personal life while encouraging career growth and professional developments for those who wish to occupy more senior positions within the company. In turn, the level of performance will improve, benefitting from a more collaborative approach towards work that allows both leaders and employees to take care of their mental health.
Finally, business leaders who are able to advocate for themselves and establish important boundaries to prioritise their mental health are in a stronger position and better equipped to foster a more welcoming and sensitive culture within their workplace.
Business leaders are made of flesh and blood and can easily struggle with shifting priorities and managing other people while also protecting their own mental wellbeing. To navigate these challenges, business leaders must shift their mindset from concealing issues to fostering open dialogue and empower themselves to accept the need for support while actively opening positions of mental health allies within their organisations. These steps, together with empathy, proactive initiatives, and shared advocacy, not only improve leaders’ well-being but also create healthier, more successful workplaces for all.
