As leaders, we often are put into positions we don’t want to be in.
As a leader, you can be thrust into spots that require quick decisions…
…even though you didn’t create or want to be a part of the problem to begin with.
You could be asked to facilitate a layoff or have to inform your team that the funding for your work is about to be cut.
Situations like these can create serious anxiety around the organization, and it can be debilitating for you as a leader.
Unfortunately, anxiety doesn’t just stay at the top—it trickles down through the organization.
As leaders or support staff, our teams can pick up on our energy, and if we’re anxious, they’ll often reflect that in their work.
I’m not suggesting leaders shouldn’t feel anxiety—it’s natural.
But we must remember that our teams look to us for guidance and reassurance.
Our energy and effort are contagious, both for our own well-being and for the health of the team.
That means, before anything, we must take care of ourselves.
In our Leadership trainings, we often reference taking care of ourselves as finding a sanctuary.
The book “Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through The Dangers of Leading” discusses this.
What is a sanctuary?
A place, an activity, a thing we do to help reground our feelings.
For me, I have a few––a great concert, a nice run, or a great book.
But nothing clears my head more than snowboarding.
Yes, I am one of those people on the hill that is trying to find themself in the snow.
The challenge with snowboarding is I can’t do it every day.
And according to Leadership On The Line, your sanctuary should be a daily reminder or a daily activity.
So, when I can’t snowboard, I slowly trundle, AKA act like a runner, around Sloan’s Lake.
Yes, I still run nearly every day.
But even on days that I don’t run, I make sure to take an activity break.
These times in my sanctuary help me regroup and clear my head.
The science behind moving around during stressful moments is incredible.
It helps us all.
I know you all hear this a lot, especially if you fly as much as I do.
But you need to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.
If you are struggling with anxiety or any other mental health challenges, please ask for help.
Don’t tough it out or push through.
Over the course of my work and personal life, I have used several therapists and executive coaches.
They have each saved me from myself multiple times.
I hope by reading this, you can take a look at yourself in the mirror and recognize that if you are carrying anxiety, your team knows.
If you are struggling with something else. They know as well.
And that’s okay.
Everyone needs and deserves a sanctuary—whether that’s exercise, a good book, a dance around, some ice skating, or a walk around the museum.
Please take some time to seek out your sanctuary.
I know it helps.
Want to learn about our leadership trainings? Drop me a line.