The Leadership Pressure To Always BE ‘ON’ | Mastering the Balance Between Presence and Peace

CHRONICLE | 174

?October 31st, 2024

?The Leadership Pressure To Always BE ‘ON’ | Mastering the Balance Between Presence and Peace

"Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge. The pressure comes not from authority, but from the responsibility to empower and uplift others, especially when the stakes are high."

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CHRONICLE INTRO |?

How do leaders balance availability both professionally and personally? How do leaders care for those they lead while ensuring they do not ‘burn out’?

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The Modern Leadership Dilemma | Visionary Leaders face increasing pressure to be constantly available and responsive in today's fast-paced, always-connected world. The digital age, with its 24/7 communication channels, has blurred the lines between personal and professional time, making it harder for brand leaders to disconnect from reality.

This constant demand can create a dilemma, as leaders feel they must always be "ON" to meet the expectations of their teams, clients, and organizations.

Understanding the Roots of Constant Availability | The pressure to be always available stems from various sources, both external and internal. Many organizations expect leaders to be responsive around the clock, especially in industries with global operations or competitive environments.

Leaders may also feel obligated to show their commitment by always being present, fearing that setting boundaries might be perceived as lacking dedication to the brand vision, growth or team culture. This is further compounded by current technology, which enables—and sometimes forces—leaders to be reachable at all times.?

Impact of Constant Availability | While staying connected may seem productive, the reality is that constant availability can lead to serious personal and professional consequences for leaders.

Over time, being constantly "ON" can result in burnout, characterized by physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, and stress. Decision-making can suffer as leaders experience cerebral overload and emotional exhaustion. Burnout also leads to decreased creativity, problem-solving ability, and overall productivity, weakening leadership effectiveness.

The Consequences of Leadership Burnout on Organizations | When leaders face Burnout, the ripple effect is felt throughout the organization. Burned-out leaders may make poor decisions, communicate ineffectively, or disengage from their teams, negatively impacting team morale and productivity. In fact the following are direct consequences of a leader AND a company not addressing this issue proactively.

Below are some of the Key impacts of Burnout |

1. Decreased Decision-Making Effectiveness |

Leaders suffering from burnout experience cognitive fatigue, leading to impaired judgment, slower decision-making, and more frequent errors. They may become more risk-averse or make impulsive decisions without considering long-term consequences.

2. Reduced Productivity and Creativity |

Burnout diminishes the leader's ability to focus, innovate, and think creatively. They may struggle with problem-solving or coming up with new ideas.

3. Higher Turnover Rates |

Leadership burnout leads to higher turnover rates, not just for the leader but also for their teams. Burned-out leaders may leave their positions, creating instability and requiring the organization to spend resources on hiring and training replacements.

4. Negative Impact on Employee Morale and Engagement |

Burned-out leaders can have a contagious effect on their teams. When leaders are stressed or disengaged, it negatively impacts the morale of their employees. Teams become less motivated and less engaged and may start to underperform.

5. Health Deterioration |

Burnout causes ongoing health issues, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems. These health issues can escalate to absenteeism or even permanent withdrawal from work.

6. Reduced Leadership Presence and Visibility |

Burned-out leaders may withdraw, becoming less available to their teams and less engaged in day-to-day operations. This absence can lead to unclear direction, weaker organizational alignment, and decreased team performance.

7. Increased Conflicts and Communication Breakdowns |

Burnout can lead to emotional exhaustion, making leaders more irritable and less patient. As a result, interpersonal conflicts may increase, and communication breakdowns can occur more frequently.?

8. Lower Financial Performance |

Leadership burnout can directly affect the financial performance of an organization. Poor decisions, disengaged leadership, and lower team productivity can lead to a drop in profitability and market competitiveness.

Strategies for Balancing Availability and Preventing Burnout | To counteract the pressure to be constantly available, leaders must adopt strategies that promote balance and prevent burnout. Leaders need to set clear boundaries around work hours and availability is essential, as is the practice of delegating tasks to trusted team members. Leaders should prioritize self-care, including taking time for mental and physical wellness, to recharge and maintain their effectiveness.

Time management techniques such as scheduling focused work hours, taking tech breaks, and disconnecting during downtime can help leaders remain productive without sacrificing their well-being.

Organizational Support | Organizations play a crucial role in helping leaders balance availability and prevent burnout. Companies can implement policies that encourage a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible schedules, mental health support, and reasonable workload expectations.

By modeling healthy boundaries and emphasizing the importance of self-care, organizations can create a culture where leaders feel supported in maintaining their well-being, ensuring long-term sustainability in leadership roles.

CHRONICLE CONCLUSION |?

Sustainable Leadership for Long-Term Success Balancing leadership availability with personal well-being is critical for sustained success in a leaders personal and professional life.

While the pressure to be constantly available is reality, leaders must learn to prioritize their health to avoid burnout and maintain their ability to lead effectively. By setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and creating a supportive brand team culture, leaders can find a balance that allows them to be sharp, present and strong.

?Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!

Enjoy the Journey!

?

Bryan Smeltzer, President

?LiquidMind Inc.

#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast

#TheVisionaryBrandBook

?@LiquidMindsite.com

@BryanSmeltzer.com

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?? All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2024

?About |

Bryan Smeltzer is a bestselling author, business executive, and entrepreneur. He has held executive leadership positions in brand business development, multi-category product development, and global marketing at major brands like Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, Schutt Sports, and other international companies.

Bryan also founded a men's apparel brand and successfully ran it for ten years before selling it to a venture capital firm.

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