Embracing Stress to Grow as a Leader

Stress is an inevitable part of leadership. Whether it's navigating complex challenges, managing competing priorities, or leading through uncertainty, the pressures can feel relentless. However, it's important to remember that stress doesn't have to be the enemy; it can be a powerful catalyst for growth, presenting opportunities for learning and development.

What happened this week?

This article is inspired by last week at work, when 70 Division Managers and 48 Individual Contributors, all Saudi Electricity Company colleagues, presented their final projects to panels of senior company leaders as part of their six-month learning journey. These presentations were part of the intensive development programs for Emerging Leaders or Young Professional Talent, which aim to equip promising individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles.

The projects have been a common theme since the cohorts started in July 2024. They highlight how participants have embraced the skills and tools gathered from the many workshops and coaching sessions.

My colleague coaches and I noticed how the participants handled this essential presentation's pressure all very differently.

Reframe Stress as a Tool

As Marcus Aurelius said, "You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength." The first step in transforming stress is to shift your perspective. Instead of viewing it as something to avoid, see it as a signal, an opportunity to adapt, innovate, and lead with resilience.

Think of stress like the tension in a bowstring: adequately harnessed, it can propel you forward.

Build Awareness and Practice Reflection

It's essential to understand your stress triggers. For instance, a looming deadline or a difficult conversation with a team member can be significant stressors. Could you take time to identify what situations or decisions increase your tension? Seneca reminds us, 'We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.' Journaling or a quick daily reflection can help you separate real challenges from imagined ones.

This awareness enables you to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, keeping you grounded and practical.

Lean into Support

Leadership can feel isolating, but you mustn't navigate stress alone. Epictetus wisely advised, "The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." Build a network of trusted colleagues, mentors, or coaches.

They can offer fresh perspectives, guidance, or a listening ear when challenges arise.

Develop Resilience Through Action

Resilience isn't about resisting stress but growing from it. Engage in small, deliberate practices like mindfulness or focused breathing. Regular exercise, even a brisk walk, can clear your mind and re-energise your body.

As the Stoics teach, "Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body." These habits prepare you to face stress with strength and clarity.

A Leader's Growth Mindset

Every moment of stress is a chance to learn. Ask yourself: What is this situation teaching me? Leaders who embrace this mindset grow themselves and inspire their teams to face challenges with courage and optimism. "What stands in the way becomes the way," Marcus Aurelius reminds us.

I hope this article has shared some tools and reflective ways for people to consider when facing a stressful situation. It doesn't have to be a professional presentation; it could be anything that brings about that stress response, which is different for everybody.

We're all in this together, and your experiences and insights can be invaluable to others. So, how do you handle stress in your leadership role?

Please share your thoughts below, and let's continue this meaningful conversation!

As always, onwards and upwards, Damian

#StoicWisdom #Vision2030 #Leadership #Growth #Development #Coach #Coaching

Massive thanks to my Saudi Electricity Company ELDC Colleagues for the inspiration:

Shaun O'Brien, SL II,KP,ILM,PMP,MD, Lynn Fraser Cal O'Neill MSc GMBPsS PCC Ashraf El Eryan Michael Noel Mabkhot Aldossary Ibrahim Abu El-Ghar Abdullah ALMubarak