Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.
Practicing proactive coping as a leader can have major benefits including reduced stress, increased resilience, improved performance, and better overall mental health. We cover all the details including ways to identify stressors, seek support, and set boundaries. Let’s get into it!
Leading is Stressful – Stay Ahead of It
As a leader, it’s important to have the ability to cope with the challenges and stressors that come with the job. Deadlines, complex tasks, lack of resources, attrition, conflict, the list goes on and on. These stressors are known knowns. One effective way to reduce the impact is through proactive coping, which involves taking steps to prevent or mitigate potential stressors before they occur.
Benefits of Proactive Coping
Increased resilience: Proactive coping can also help you build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. By taking proactive steps to prepare for and cope with stressors, you can become better equipped to handle challenges that come your way. Remember when leading, how quickly and how high you bounce back from setbacks will trickle down through your team.
Improved performance: Proactive coping can have a positive impact on your performance as a leader. By reducing the amount of stress you experience, you can improve your focus and decision-making abilities, which can lead to better results for your team. Taking the initiative to gather resources in anticipation of stressors gives you and your team the edge when challenges arise.
Better relationships: Proactive coping can also improve your relationships with others. When you’re able to effectively cope with and stay ahead of stress, you’re less likely to take out your frustration on others, which can lead to better communication and more positive interactions. Leaders pivot from conversation to conversation throughout the day. Being able to cope with stressors ensures your ability to handle negative emotions and not displace them on others.
Practicing Proactive Coping
Identifying potential stressors: Take some time to think about what stressors you might encounter in your role as a leader. Write them down, then develop strategies to prevent or mitigate them. Developing mitigation strategies prior to stressors occurring helps you feel more confident and prepared.
Seeking support: Reach out to others for support when you need it. Having a supportive network of colleagues, friends, and family can help you cope with stress and challenges more effectively.
Setting boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries to ensure that you have time to recharge and take care of yourself. Make sure to set clear limits on your availability and that you prioritize self-care.
By practicing proactive coping, you can improve your own mental health and resilience, and set a positive example for your team to lead them through challenges more effectively.
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