Cultivating Leadership Capability
We know that leaders need to be well in order to lead well, but it’s often easier said than done.
The pressure on leaders today is significant and can feel unrelenting. Adding to the existing workplace demands, leaders face the added pressure of managing hybrid teams and keeping them engaged. Operating amidst global turmoil and a local cost of living crisis, leaders need to be inspiring and empathetic while also pushing on performance. Not to mention juggling their personal responsibilities outside of work, it’s not surprising we’re seeing high levels of exhaustion at the top.
While there is growing awareness that wellbeing is a key lever to managing personal and professional challenges while sustaining performance, implementing changes in our busy lives is often challenging.
Having a foundation of wellbeing (or flourishing) is helpful when tackling personal and professional challenges and maintaining performance. A Deloitte report found that employees with high wellbeing are 46% more productive and 86% less likely to experience burnout. However, translating this in organisations can be challenging. Read on for more about practical strategies to cultivate leadership capability.
Being Well
Leaders cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritising wellbeing isn’t rocket science, but these are the key pillars of wellbeing that can fall away when we’re stressed and overloaded:
- Physical health: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and prioritise sleep. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that their teams rated leaders who get enough sleep as more transformational.
- Mental & emotional wellbeing: Practice mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing. Engage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of calm. Don’t shy away from seeking professional help if needed.
- Life-work integration: Establish boundaries between work and personal life. Schedule dedicated time for relaxation and hobbies. Leaders who can switch off and disconnect from work are more effective leaders.
Leading Well
Being an effective leader is tied up with your leadership style. Carve out some time for honest reflection. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Explore your leadership style and how it impacts your team. Consider questions like:
- What motivates me?
- How do I handle stress?
- What are my communication strengths and weaknesses?
- How does my behaviour influence my team?
Reflection, personality assessments, and feedback from trusted colleagues can be valuable tools in this process. By understanding yourself better, you can identify areas for improvement and build upon existing strengths.
Continuous learning
The world is constantly evolving, so should your leadership style. Read books and articles on leadership best practices. Attend workshops and conferences. Seek mentorship from experienced leaders. Never stop learning and growing as a leader.
As leaders move through different stages of the leadership pipeline (new leader, leader of leaders, divisional leader), each passage requires a transition in values, behaviours and skills. What made you successful before will not solely guarantee success at subsequent levels, which may be particularly challenging. Leadership coaching through these transition points can accelerate the process of de-skilling and re-skilling to facilitate successful transitions.
Building Trust
People trust leaders who are genuine. Be transparent about your challenges and celebrate your team’s successes. Acknowledge your mistakes and demonstrate a willingness to learn. By leading with authenticity, you foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, where your team feels comfortable taking risks and innovating.
Effective leadership skills to have in your toolkit
- Communication: Leaders must communicate clearly, concisely, and with empathy. Actively listen to your team and create a safe space for open communication.
- Delegation and autonomy: Trust your team. Delegate tasks effectively and empower them to take ownership.This fosters growth and engagement.
- Decision-Making: Make clear, well-considered decisions. Encourage diverse perspectives and involve your team when appropriate.
- Conflict Resolution: Address conflict directly and constructively. Focus on solutions and maintaining strong working relationships.
Remember, cultivating leadership capability is an ongoing process. There will be setbacks and challenges. The key is to prioritise self-care, refine your skills, and continuously learn. By investing in your wellbeing and leadership development, you become a more effective leader, inspiring your team to achieve their full potential and prioritise their wellbeing too.
👉 To find out more about how we can help, take a look at our Leading Well Series, with sessions developed to equip leaders with essential tools to be well and lead well.
👉 Learn more about our workshops and webinars to support leaders: https://lnkd.in/gJxEPZXr
