In a recent
business mastery event, I heard one of the speakers say that Artificial
Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a leap in technology, it’s like what electricity
did to bring about the industrial revolution. Tech advancements and AI are
reshaping industries and workflows, and leaders will face unprecedented
challenges. But do you know what isn’t evolving with AI? Our biological needs. Those
take generations to evolve. So, to navigate these complexities and sustain leader
effectiveness, one skill stands out as indispensable: self-care. While
self-care might traditionally be viewed as a personal responsibility, it is emerging
as a critical leadership competency with so many employees either reporting experiencing
burnout or taking medical leaves to deal with the repercussion of burnout.
Leaders who prioritize self-care are not only more resilient and enduring but
also better equipped to model balanced behavior for their teams and embrace the
demanding growth required in the future.
“But Yvonne,
what if I’m not a leader?” is a question some of you may ask. I would challenge
that question. Even if you are not a manager of people, you are a leader
somewhere in your life. Perhaps you lead your family, or your friends. Perhaps
you lead at your kids’ school PTA or your local sporting league. Leaders aren’t
just those with a long reporting chain and an org chart. I bet you are a leader
too!
Self-Care
Fuels Resilience and Longevity
Leadership is
often a marathon, not a sprint. The weight of decision-making, the
responsibility of guiding others, and the constant need to adapt to new
challenges can drain even the most experienced leaders. Mind you, leaders have
never had to lead in this kind of paced environment. Without a consistent
self-care regimen, burnout becomes inevitable, leading to decreased
productivity, impaired decision-making, and even health issues. You can’t lead
if you’re not well.
Resilience,
the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is another cornerstone of effective
leadership. Leaders who practice self-care develop this resilience by
replenishing their mental, emotional, and physical reserves. Activities like
regular exercise, mindfulness practices, quality sleep, and pursuing passions
outside of work provide the energy needed to stay focused and maintain a clear
perspective under pressure. In essence, self-care is not indulgence; it is
sustenance. It allows leaders to show up fully for their teams and their
responsibilities, day after day.
The longevity
of a leader’s career depends heavily on their ability to sustain themselves
over the long haul. Leadership is not a role that can thrive on quick fixes or
short-term efforts. By embedding self-care into their routine, leaders create a
foundation for enduring success, ensuring they can meet the demands of their
roles for years to come.
Leading by
Example: The Ripple Effect
In the
workplace (or home, or group), leaders set the tone. When leaders openly
prioritize self-care, they send a powerful message to the people they lead
about the importance of stability and well-being. By modeling this behavior,
leaders create a culture where their people feel empowered to take care of
themselves without guilt or fear of judgment. It also helps get rid of the
outdated notion that overwork is synonymous with commitment or success.
Leaders who
demonstrate self-care inspire their people to adopt healthier habits, which can
lead to increased morale, improved productivity, and reduced turnover. A leader
who openly shares how they manage stress, take time for family, or step away to
recharge shows vulnerability and humanity—qualities that build trust and
connection. In this way, self-care is not just about the leader; it’s about
cultivating an environment where everyone thrives.
Preparing
for the Growth Demands of the Future
The pace of
change today is accelerating, driven by advancements in AI, machine learning,
and other transformative technologies. These innovations promise to
revolutionize industries, but they also require leaders to grow and adapt at an
unprecedented rate. Real growth is inherently uncomfortable. You may not
remember it, but when you were a kid, you likely had growing pains. I know my
kids do. Their bodies are growing so fast, sometimes it hurts in their bones.
This kind of growth challenges existing mindsets, pushes boundaries, and
demands that individuals operate outside their comfort zones.
Uncomfortable
growth necessitates a robust foundation of self-care. Have you ever tried to
learn something new when you were already worn down? It usually doesn’t end
well, does it? That is why taking care of our wellness is so crucial. Without
it, the pressure of staying ahead, learning new skills, and making high-stakes
decisions in a rapidly changing landscape can become overwhelming. Leaders must
have the mental clarity and emotional stability to navigate uncertainty and
complexity—qualities that are supported by wellness practices such as
meditation, journaling, and time spent in nature.
Again, the
rise of AI and technology introduces unique stressors, such as the fear of
obsolescence, ethical dilemmas, and the need for constant upskilling. Leaders
who prioritize self-care are better equipped to manage these stressors and
maintain their confidence and creativity. They can approach challenges with a
growth mindset, seeing opportunities where others see obstacles. If they lead
well in this space, they will do so without losing their teams in the process.
The
Consequences of Neglecting Self-Care
Leaders who
fail to prioritize self-care risk more than just personal burnout. Their teams
and organizations also suffer. Have you ever worked for a leader who is
completely burned out? I have. It’s not fun. Without the energy and focus that comes
from self-care, leaders may make poorer decisions, struggle to inspire their
teams, and inadvertently create a culture of overwork and stress. Over time,
this can lead to decreased employee engagement, higher absenteeism including medical
leave, and even reputational damage.
In addition,
neglecting self-care compromises a leader’s ability to innovate and adapt. As
the demands of leadership evolve, those who are not equipped to grow with the
changes may find themselves left behind. In contrast, leaders who embrace
self-care are better positioned to stay agile, continuously learn, and lead
their organizations into the future.
I know it
seems like I am beating the self-care drum hard, but I’d like you to consider
that your life literally depends on it. So, I just can’t say it enough. Self-care
isn’t selfish…it’s required.
Here are some
things you can do to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Practical
Strategies for Leaders to Embrace Self-Care
- Prioritize Physical Health: Regular exercise, balanced
nutrition, and adequate sleep are foundational to maintaining energy and
focus. Nothing works if you don’t. - Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation,
deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises can help leaders stay present
and reduce stress. A stressed-out leader is ineffective. - Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by
getting good at setting boundaries and expectations. A leader with no
boundaries is lost. - Seek Support: Engage in peer networks,
coaching, or therapy to process challenges and gain perspective. No leader
leads alone. - Take Time for Joy and Play: Pursue passions and activities
that bring joy, allow for creativity and renewal. Play energizes
everything. - Continuous Learning: Dedicate time to personal and
professional growth, staying curious and open to innovative ideas. Leaders
grow and learn so they can continue to lead.
All this to
say that leadership demands are intensifying, and self-care is no longer optional,
it is a vital skill. It enables leaders to sustain their performance, model
healthy behaviors for their teams, and embrace the growth required to navigate
a future shaped by rapid technological advancement. By prioritizing self-care,
leaders can not only endure but also thrive, ensuring they remain effective and
inspiring in the face of change. As the adage goes, “You cannot pour from an
empty cup.” For leaders, self-care is the practice of filling that cup,
allowing them to serve others with clarity, compassion, and strength.
***
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And if you are too burned out and overwhelmed
to even begin to use any of these strategies it might be time to get some help.
Find a coach, therapist, or doctor who can help you reverse out of the
physical, mental, and emotional symptoms of burnout so you can get back to
living in life you love.
Remember, Self-care isn’t selfish…it’s
required!
Yvonne Lee-Hawkins, IPHM, is a holistic
Leadership and Wellness coach, stress strategist, and writer, who spent 20
years in corporate and leadership functions. When she is not working, she loves
to go on nature adventures with her family, in the Pacific Northwest where they
call home. You can find out more on her website, or
follow her on LinkedIn, Medium, or
Instagram.
If you want some help building good self-care
as a leader, help leading you team without burning them out, or with general
wellness, schedule
a call here.
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