BAUU 38 - How To Lead With Balance: Prioritising Mental Health as a Leader

Welcome back to Business As UnUsual (BAUU) TL;DR solutions for leaders. In this issue, we focus on the critical role of balance in leadership, particularly in prioritising mental health within your teams.

The format for this edition is:

• Problem
• TL;DR Solution
• Try This
• It’s a Wrap

I'll only share the underlying TL;DR if you ask. If you have a problem you want a TL;DR solution, let’s hear about it in the comments.

Problem

Leaders are often the pillars of their organisations, shouldering immense responsibility. However, this can come at the cost of their mental health and that of their teams. The pressure to perform and a lack of attention to mental well-being can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a toxic work environment.

How can leaders strike a balance that prioritises mental health, ensuring both personal and organisational well-being?

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." (William James)

TL;DR Solution

The answer is B.A.L.A.N.C.E. – a framework designed to help leaders prioritise mental health while maintaining organisational effectiveness.

B.A.L.A.N.C.E.

B = Boundaries

Best Practice: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Practice: Encourage your team to unplug after hours and lead by example.

Impact: Reduces burnout and ensures long-term productivity.

A = Awareness

Best Practice: Cultivate awareness of your mental health and your team.

Practice: Regularly check in with yourself and your team members, being mindful of signs of stress or burnout.

Impact: Fosters a supportive environment where mental health is a priority.

L = Leadership by Example

Best Practice: Model the behaviour you wish to see in your team.

Practice: Demonstrate healthy work habits, such as taking breaks and managing stress effectively.

Impact: Encourages your team to prioritise their well-being, creating a healthier workplace culture.

A = Accountability

Best Practice: Hold yourself and your team accountable for maintaining mental health.

Practice: Implement systems that track well-being, such as regular mental health check-ins or surveys.

Impact: Ensures that mental health is consistently monitored and addressed.

N = Nurture Relationships

Best Practice: Foster solid and supportive relationships within your team.

Practice: Encourage open communication and provide opportunities for team bonding.

Impact: Builds a resilient team that supports each other through challenges.

C = Continuous Learning

Best Practice: Promote ongoing education about mental health.

Practice: Provide resources and training on stress management, resilience, and mental well-being.

Impact: Equips your team with the tools to manage their mental health effectively.

E = Empathy

Best Practice: Lead with empathy, understanding the challenges your team faces.

Practice: Listen actively to your team’s concerns and provide support.

Impact: Creates a compassionate work environment where employees feel valued and supported.

"Prioritise self-care and well-being knowing 'You can't pour from an empty cup.'" (Rick Yvanovich, TEDx)

Try This – Practical Steps for Leading with Balance:

1 - Set Boundaries for Yourself and Your Team

Action: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.

Frequency: Daily

Impact: Helps prevent burnout and encourages a healthier work-life balance.

2 - Implement Regular Mental Health Check-Ins

Action: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss mental health and well-being with your team.

Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly

Impact: Promotes a culture of openness and support around mental health.

3 - Provide Mental Health Resources

Action: Offer resources such as mental health days, access to counselling, and stress management workshops.

Frequency: Ongoing

Impact: Ensures your team has the tools to manage their mental health.

4 - Encourage Breaks and Downtime

Action: Promote taking regular breaks and ensure your team takes their full holiday allowance.

Frequency: Daily and quarterly

Impact: Maintains energy levels and prevents burnout.

5 - Lead by Example in Managing Stress

Action: Share your stress management strategies and encourage others to do the same.

Frequency: Ongoing

Impact: Normalises the conversation around mental health and provides practical strategies for stress management.

"Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create." (Jana Kingsford)

It’s a Wrap

That's it for today, see you next week.?

Comment, follow, like, and share this Newsletter. As always, be happy, healthy, joyful, and wealthy.

/Rick

#MentalHealthLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamWellbeing #BusinessAsUnUsual #BAUU #BAUUnewsletter

?? This edition aligns with "Business As UnUsual: How to Thrive in the New Renaissance."

Get your copy for more on thriving in uncertainty here: https://www.rickyvanovich.com/books/bauu-book-series/