Leaders, Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
Artist credit: HBR Staff/Getty Images/Richard Drury

Leaders, Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

by Paige Cohen, Senior Editor

In the past couple of years, there has been a call for managers to step up and practice empathy in support of their team members. We need this kind of leadership to make workplaces feel safe and to help employees manage their mental and physical health. I know, for me, having a boss who I can rely on and confide in, has meant the world. It’s made my life better.

As a manager myself, I try to follow my boss’s example. I check in with each of my team members once a week. We don’t just talk about tasks. We talk about how we’re coping with all that’s happening in the world, and what they need from me to take care of their well-beings at work. Is their workload manageable? Do they still feel a sense of purpose? Do they need time or space to rest and recover?

Like a lot of middle managers, I often find myself on both sides of this boss-employee equation. It’s a unique position. I see, from both perspectives, how important it is to have a compassionate boss, and also, how practicing compassion can sometimes feel draining. Some days I’m able to give more of myself to others, be more present, listen more fully, and understand. On other days, it’s difficult to focus and offer good solutions. My mind feels too heavy to cooperate, and I have to disconnect before I can be useful again.

Recently, I read an article that talks about this feeling. It’s called compassion fatigue, and it’s often mistaken for burnout. Basically, when we give away so much emotionally, we grow exhausted and can find it challenging to practice empathy. That’s why it’s so important for leaders, managers, or anyone who is responsible for taking care of others, to pause and put themselves first. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary.

This week, I want to provide managers with a few tools to help you take care of yourself and your teams.

Recommended Reads

Compassion Fatigue Is Real and It May Be Weighing You Down

Artist credit: HBR Staff
Artist credit: HBR Staff

Sometimes, there’s an unexpected cost to caring. Here’s how to safeguard your emotional well-being so that you can give back to others.

Read the full article here.

What First-Time Managers Can Do to Address Burnout

Artist credit: Getty Images/ Ievgeniia Shugaliia
Artist credit: Getty Images/ Ievgeniia Shugaliia

To successfully lead a team, you need to take care of yourself. These four strategies will help you learn healthy ways to cope with stress.

 Read the full article here.

How to Support Colleagues Through Times of Trauma

Artist credit: HBR Staff/Getty Images/Kelvin Murray
Artist credit: HBR Staff/Getty Images/Kelvin Murray

When a big conflict is taking place in the world, how do you talk to impacted employees? Here are a few ways you can respectfully offer support.

Read the full article here.

Like what you just read? Our team of global editors shares personal stories and practical advice in a weekly version of this newsletter, sign up here!

CHESTER SWANSON SR.

Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer

2y

Thanks for Sharing.

To view or add a comment, sign in

Insights from the community

Explore topics