Winning Leadership Newsletter: Honoring Mental Health Day

Date: October 10, 2024 Theme: "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace"

As leaders, we are often driven by the pursuit of success, growth, and excellence. Yet, one of the greatest challenges we face is ensuring that we also take care of ourselves. In honor of World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, it's vital to reflect on the importance of our mental health and well-being—especially within the fast-paced, high-pressure environments we often navigate. First celebrated in 1992, this day serves as a global reminder to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy against stigma.

This year's theme—“It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”—is a call to action for leaders to foster environments where well-being is at the forefront. Whether you're leading a team of five or five hundred, I am sure you would agree mental health is integral to showing up as the best version of yourself and empowering those around you to do the same.

Taking Care of Ourselves as Leaders

The journey of leadership can be exhilarating, but it also comes with its share of stresses and challenges. While we focus on driving results, meeting goals, and leading teams, we must also remember to take care of our own mental health. This starts by honoring where we are on this journey and acknowledging that growth, both personal and professional, requires balance.

Carol Dweck, in her transformative work on the growth mindset, reminds us that "becoming is better than being." As leaders, we must embrace the idea that our mental health journey is ongoing, not a destination. When we focus on becoming the best version of ourselves, we allow room for self-compassion, continuous learning, and adaptability—all crucial for maintaining our well-being in the midst of high-stakes leadership.

Tips for Showing Up as Your Best Self:

Here are some actionable strategies to help you prioritize mental well-being while leading effectively:

1. Schedule Time for Mental Recovery: Just as we schedule time for meetings and strategy sessions, we must carve out time for mental breaks. This could be a short daily meditation, time spent outdoors, or simply stepping away from work to breathe. Recovery isn't just physical—it's mental too.
2. Embrace the Power of "No": As leaders, it's tempting to say yes to every opportunity, but overcommitment leads to burnout. Practice setting healthy boundaries, and recognize that saying no is sometimes the most powerful tool to protect your mental health.
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: As Carol Dweck notes, "The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset." When we view challenges as opportunities to grow, we can reduce the anxiety that comes from perfectionism or the fear of failure. Adopt a mindset that embraces challenges, learns from feedback, and sees effort as the path to mastery.
4. Create Psychological Safety in the Workplace: A healthy work environment starts with trust. Encourage open communication about mental health within your team. Create a space where individuals feel safe to express challenges without fear of stigma or retribution.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: High standards are important, but perfectionism can be detrimental. Allow yourself to be imperfect, and practice self-compassion. Remember, being kind to yourself can lead to greater resilience and productivity in the long run.
6. Lead by Example: As leaders, we set the tone. Demonstrating a commitment to your own mental health—whether by taking time off, setting clear boundaries, or practicing mindfulness—can inspire your team to prioritize their well-being as well.

The Mindset Shift: Prioritize Mental Well-being

Taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. In the words of Dweck, “No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” Effort toward your mental well-being is an investment that will pay off not only in your personal life but also in your ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and empathy.

As we observe World Mental Health Day this year, let’s commit to prioritizing mental health—not just today but every day. Let’s foster workplaces where mental well-being is supported and celebrated, knowing that when we take care of ourselves, we can truly show up as the best version of ourselves for those we lead.

Self-Coaching Questions for Leaders: Prioritizing Mental Health

As you reflect on your own mental well-being and leadership, here are some self-coaching questions to guide your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself:

1. How am I currently managing stress, and what can I do to create more space for mental recovery in my daily routine?
2. In what ways am I setting boundaries to protect my mental health and well-being? Are there areas where I need to say 'no' more often?
3. How do I respond to setbacks or failures? Am I compassionate with myself, or do I tend to be overly critical? How can I practice more self-compassion?
4. What does showing up as my best self look like, and what steps can I take today to move closer to that version of myself?

Closing Thought:

Remember, leadership is not just about what we do, but how we are. By making mental health a priority in your leadership journey, you pave the way for sustainable growth, meaningful impact, and lasting success.

Wishing you mental clarity, resilience, and growth on your leadership journey.