Overcoming Overwhelmed: A Leadership Guide to Resilience
Leaders are frequently confronted with an overwhelming workload. This pressure can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and impaired decision-making. However, by understanding common pitfalls and implementing strategic countermeasures, leaders can transform overwhelm into opportunity and emerge as more resilient, effective, and inspiring leaders.
Heidi Grant, in her Harvard Business Review article, "5 Mistakes We Make When We’re Overwhelmed," outlines five common behaviors that can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm:
Procrastinating helpful actions: As leaders, we often have a clear vision for what needs to be done, but the urgency of daily tasks can overshadow these long-term goals. This tendency to delay important initiatives, as Grant highlights, can lead to a sense of powerlessness and hinder progress.
Neglecting the power of the unconscious mind: In the pursuit of efficiency, leaders often prioritize focused work. However, as Grant suggests, our unconscious mind is a valuable problem-solving tool. Allowing for periods of unstructured thinking can lead to innovative solutions and improved decision-making.
Internalizing feelings of overwhelm: Leaders are expected to be strong and composed. This pressure can lead to self-criticism when feeling overwhelmed. As Grant points out, replacing self-criticism with self-compassion is crucial for maintaining resilience.
Reverting to old habits: When under pressure, leaders may revert to familiar, but less effective, behaviors. This rigidity can hinder adaptability and problem-solving. Embracing flexibility, as Grant recommends, is essential for navigating complex challenges.
Isolating from support: The demanding nature of leadership can lead to isolation. As Grant emphasizes, social connection is vital for coping with stress and maintaining perspective. Leaders must prioritize building strong relationships and seeking support when needed.
To counter these tendencies, leaders must cultivate a growth mindset, prioritize self-care, and develop strong relationships with their teams. By delegating tasks, fostering open communication, and practicing mindfulness, leaders can create a supportive environment that enables them to thrive under pressure.
Additionally, leaders can benefit from incorporating unstructured time into their schedules, allowing their unconscious minds to work on complex problems. By embracing vulnerability and seeking support, leaders can build resilience and emerge stronger from challenging situations.
Ultimately, overcoming overwhelm is not about eliminating stress but about developing the skills and mindset to navigate challenges effectively. By understanding the common pitfalls and implementing strategic countermeasures, leaders can transform adversity into opportunity and achieve long-term success.
If you are looking for help with your company culture, I would love to talk to you about how we can use the tools and techniques in my Leadership Development Toolbox. Please contact me for more information: https://www.coactivegroup.com/contact
Angela Tallman
Principal, Executive Coaching and Leader Development
720.682.6644