Holey moley, _____ may be our president! (Or 'Because of last night’s election results, I took a mental health day')

Did I? Maybe I did. Or maybe that was just my tenth cup of coffee whispering I should. If you’re like most of us, the morning after this election is either a sigh of relief, dread, or a mix of both.

And you’re not alone.

Election seasons have always ramped up the stress, but this year’s has felt particularly heavy, especially with voting patterns splitting along gender lines. Young men have tended toward T(rump), while young women mostly favor H(arris)—highlighting a unique divide in Gen Z that reshapes not just voting habits but also how this generation sees its future.

Election Season and the Rise of “Mental Load”

Election anxiety is real. According to the APA , about 77% of adults cite national politics as a top stressor, with election-related anxiety reaching disruptive levels for 20% of Americans. This is a new kind of collective mental load, magnified by today’s always-on, high-stakes information landscape.

“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing; it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.” (Brené Brown)

More Than Just Politics: A Different Kind of Stress for a Different Generation

Compared to past generations, today’s young adults are carrying heavier emotional burdens. Studies by Sapien Labs show that Gen Z is now reporting the lowest mental well-being, experiencing more frequent stress, hopelessness, and decreased resilience. The reasons are as diverse as they are complex—less face-to-face connection, more social media comparisons, and fewer opportunities to “switch off.” This shift is about more than election night jitters; it’s a reflection of the constant pressures in a hyperconnected world

Truths About Leading Through Uncertain Times

Leaders now face the challenge of guiding teams through collective stress. Here are a few insights on how leaders can best support their teams in uncertain times:

1. Pretending Everything is Fine is a Missed Opportunity - Ignoring visible stress or uncertainty can breed distrust. Leaders who acknowledge the reality of difficult situations show their teams it’s okay to feel discomfort, creating a foundation of trust and empathy.
2. Emotions Are Contagious - Leaders set the emotional tone. By acknowledging uncertainty and showing resilience, leaders help their teams approach challenges with a steadier mindset. Addressing emotions openly promotes a healthier emotional environment.
3. Visibility Equals Support - Regular check-ins aren’t just about tasks—they’re about showing up for one another. Leaders who stay accessible, especially in uncertain times, foster a sense of stability. By being present, they show they’re available for support as much as for questions.
4. Empathy is More Than a Buzzword - Empathy means recognizing that everyone’s experience is unique. Leaders who actively listen and validate concerns build loyalty, showing teams they’re seen and supported during difficult moments.
5. Boundaries Need to Be Modeled - Leaders who set healthy work-life boundaries, like taking mental health breaks, encourage their teams to do the same. This practice can reduce burnout and promote sustained productivity.

Looking Ahead with Resilience and Realism

The election may be over, but the final outcome might not be. With potential court challenges and recounts on the horizon, this election season could have a long tail. For leaders, this is a reminder of our responsibility to create resilient environments by validating these realities.

Resilience today isn’t about ignoring what’s hard; it’s about moving through it together. So whether you’re rallying, recovering, or somewhere in between, let’s lead with empathy, model those necessary pauses, and face whatever’s next with patience. And yes, let’s all take that coffee break we’ve been thinking about.

The 5 C's of Effective Leadership: Building the Foundations of Inclusive Leadership

At Saterman Connect , we’ve developed the 5 C’s of Effective Leadership—a dynamic program designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workplace. By focusing on Communication, Collaboration, Commitment, Curiosity, and Change, this two-hour virtual program offers a roadmap for leaders to build trust, drive team performance, and create a culture of adaptability and growth.

Through a blend of real-world challenges and practical strategies, the 5 C’s empowers leaders to lead inclusively, manage change effectively, and foster psychological safety within their teams.

What you’ll gain:

• Enhanced communication skills that promote transparency and build trust.
• Stronger collaboration across functions to break down silos and boost innovation.
• Commitment to team growth, focusing on empowerment and accountability.
• Change management tools that help your teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.
• Curiosity-driven leadership, encouraging continuous learning and adaptability.

Explore More Leadership Solutions:

We’re offering impactful, quick-turnaround projects for $5K or less that can be completed by year-end, ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running in 2025. Besides 5 C's of Effective Leadership, we also offer four additional programs, each designed to address a unique leadership challenge:

• Allyship in the Workplace: Equip your leaders to advocate for marginalized groups and foster a truly inclusive culture.
• Developing Your Direct Reports: Strengthen coaching skills and empower your team members to grow through feedback and self-awareness.
• Cross-Functional Communication & Collaboration: Break down departmental silos and drive alignment on outcome-focused goals.
• Fostering Cultural Curiosity in a Global World: Build cultural competence and humility, empowering leaders to work effectively across diverse teams.

About Me

Michael Saterman, Chief Customer Officer of Saterman Connect is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and strong promoter of "Arrive. Drive. Thrive.: For Aspiring, Emerging, and Growing Leaders" available at Amazon and described by the former CEO and President of Chico's as "a go to resource for emerging leaders to be picked up and referenced over the course of your leadership journey."