The Power of Being an Example

To all leaders out there.

Imagine, a crisis strikes. You panic, we all do. You go into a battle mode. You put all your efforts fighting this crisis. Simultaneously you feel fear and anxiety. You are not sure how this will go. Understandable and very human. This is just the beginning of managing change, change that you didn’t initiate. We go through a change curve that consists of a set of emotions leading towards a more rational and proactive approach. The time you spend on the first part may be crucial for your health and wellbeing of your business. Let’s look at the first part, where the most damage can occur.

Physiologically: Your cortisol levels rise. The heart may be beating above average for a longer period, even when you are supposed to be resting. Sleep gets disturbed. Stress has a more and more negative effect than "starting those engines". It begins to narrow your mind. You say no to talks and meetings you feel are not aligned with the agenda. You see the issue and crisis at hand, nothing else. And you fight. You get tired but you continue. 

You are an example for many. This behavior and communication are what others see. They know this is not the time to talk development, chit chat, be creative. As it is obvious we are in a crisis mode. Everyone is in their corners, focusing on what matters the most: Getting over to the other side. Then, we can talk!

What's happening in the background? Some may notice it, some may not. 

The stress we describe, the zone we are in, has much wider impacts. This fight mode, where we have activated the sympathetic nervous system, only allows us to focus on that one area - the fight. 

We are not able to take care of our health the way we should, nor the health of people around us. Physical or mental. This stress has an impact on our immune system. 

This stress also has an impact on our creativity, productivity, development, motivation. 

We may have actively preached proactivity and innovation but all that has been blocked for now. We don't see it, we don't hear it. 

The environment you create for your teams and organization has an impact on the people's well-being. By staying in crisis mode and in that sympathetic nervous system may well end up making people sick. 

Don't let stress take down your organization and the thriving culture you've together built. 

In your talks and thoughts emphasize future and planning. Take the time to coach and listen to your employees. You need to embrace the corporate values and culture, more than ever. Be present, be proactive in approaching people. 

Talk about what is possible, instead of what is not. Be transparent, be clear and structured in your messaging, acknowledge your and other people's feelings, show humanity, lead the way. 

Manage your own thought process and fear, as they will show in your behavior and actions. 

Do not get stuck in "one operating mode". Learn how to switch those hats and drive & channel stress. You do have most keys in your hand, let's learn how to use them. 

To begin with, gain an understanding of how your system is being affected by stress. You'll see you start to gain more objectivity and rationality. And widening perspectives. Simultaneously you are working on resiliency, yours and the organizations.

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Want to talk #stressmanagement #leadership and #interpersonalcommunication? Send me a message or comment below with your email address and I'll get in touch. 

You will also reach me by email at [email protected] or through www.sagaperformance.com

Satu Ahlman, Performance & Leadership Advisor