How leaders can manage stress
Every leader experiences stress, but what causes stress is different for everyone. Meeting deadlines, overcoming a failure, making a tough decision, having a conversation, dealing with something personally, or helping an employee through something, the list could go on and on.
There are so many books and blogs on dealing with stress, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are a few ways I've found helpful for myself and my teams in the hopes it might help you!
Get to the root of the problem. Knowing why you're stressed helps figure out how to move forward. Analysis paralysis happens and often it's from just not knowing where to start, so start with identifying why you feel stressed. If it's stress caused by a mistake or missed deadline, put a plan in place to fix it. Knowing you're working toward fixing the problem helps. However, as a leader it takes time to devise a strategic plan for you and your team. If you need to, take 10 minutes to be alone and think through the problem. Pause and think first rather than racing to immediate action so you know you'll be tackling the problem the right way. For the stress you can't control, figure out how to let it go. Whether it's acknowledging it, talking to a colleague or mentor, the key is to move on and not to waste energy on what you can't control.
Utilize your resources. It takes humility as a leader to admit that you might not have all the answers and that someone else may have useful advice for you. There is likely someone else that has gone through a similar challenge or issue who could help provide guidance. Think about who you can turn to, whether it's a fellow leader, a mentor, or your boss, gather input and advice from them. Admitting you need help is crucial for managing stress.
Blow off some steam. Do something you find fun or relaxing. For some people it's exercise or a walk outside. Others may have a hobby or side project they enjoy. Do what you need to release some of the anxious energy and refocus. Remember what works. If you feel better when you exercise, don't let that slip. If you meditate everyday and you haven't lately, squeeze that back in. If you need to write down thoughts, force yourself to do it.
Protect your planning time. Leaders are often pulled in different directions throughout the day, but many leaders are working managers and have responsibilities of their own they need to accomplish. It can cause stress when those are pushed off to address the needs of your people, so protect your time - whether it be setting aside an hour outside of the office to think, plan or execute, take the time. Your people will be fine, and if they aren't, it presents training and coaching opportunities.
At the end of the day, stress happens, and not all stress is bad stress either. If it's before a big presentation or project, it means you care and want to do a good job. However, as a leader, it's crucial to have ways of managing stress since you're often juggling multiple competing priorities.
•Maureen Hoersten is chief operating officer for LaSalle Network in Chicago.