Would you believe that for almost 70% of people, their boss influences their mental health just as much as their partner, and even more than their therapist or doctor?
A 2023 survey by The Workforce Institute at UKG 2023 revealed some eye-opening statistics:
- More than 80% of employees would choose good mental health over a high-paying job.
- Two-thirds of employees, including 70% of managers, would accept a pay cut for a job that prioritizes their mental well-being.
- 40% of C-suite executives say they are likely to resign within the next year due to work-related stress.
With such pressure on managers, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize their own mental well-being – not just for their own sake, but for the health of their teams.
Why a Leader’s Mental Health Matters
Leaders set the tone for the entire organization. Their mindset, emotional health, and behaviors influence employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall workplace culture. When leaders prioritize mental well-being, they make better decisions, foster stronger relationships, and create a healthier work environment.
Let’s define these two key concepts:
- Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to their community.
- Well-being is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, emotional, and social health.
However, many obstacles stand in the way of a leader’s mental health, such as stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and my personal favorite – imposter syndrome.
The Ripple Effect of a Leader’s Mental Health
A leader’s mental state is most visible in how their team operates. When leaders experience burnout, stress, or communication breakdowns, these challenges ripple through the organization, lowering morale and productivity.
I recently worked with a financial services organization struggling with leadership challenges that disrupted team dynamics. A lack of emotional intelligence and communication issues led to frustration and disengagement.
Recognizing that this was a systemic issue rather than an individual one, I implemented a team coaching approach. We focused on two primary areas: team dynamics and communication challenges. Through group sessions, real-time exercises, and facilitated discussions, I guided the team in developing stronger communication skills and greater emotional intelligence focused on empathy and active listening.
Over time, the leadership team cultivated better empathy, trust, and respect. This transformation was not just theoretical; it was reflected in tangible outcomes. Employees became more engaged, communication became more fluid, and the overall work environment became more collaborative. Leaders reported feeling more connected to their teams, and the organization saw a marked improvement in both employee satisfaction and retention.
This experience reinforced a key lesson: when leaders invest in their own emotional intelligence, their teams thrive.
Simple Ways Leaders Can Support Mental Health
Today’s employees expect mental health support in the workplace. Here are some practical ways leaders can demonstrate good mental well-being:
- Manage Yourself First
Your employees observe your choices – whether you realize it or not. Set clear boundaries, delegate tasks, and empower others to share responsibilities. This prevents burnout and promotes a healthier work-life balance.
2. Master Time Management
Poor time management is a major contributor to stress. When leaders feel constantly overwhelmed, it impacts decision-making and employee morale. Use prioritization techniques, such as Stephen Covey’s Eisenhower Matrix, or task management apps to improve focus and efficiency.
3. Prioritize Self Care
Great leaders prioritize their mental health, and self-care should be a part of your daily routine. Mindfulness fosters clarity and creativity, shaping internal responses, enhancing interpersonal interactions, and strengthening leadership skills. But it is not easy to quiet our busy minds. One simple technique is to engage in breathing exercises. My preferred method is called square breathing or box breathing, a method that helps calm the nervous system:
- Inhale through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of four.
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of four.
- Pause and hold for a count of four.
- Repeat as needed.
4. Communicate Effectively
Communication is more than words – your tone, body language, and nonverbal cues matter. Be mindful of your posture, eye contact, and how your tone affects your message.
5. Lead with Empathy
Empathy transforms leadership from transactional to relational. By actively listening and understanding different perspectives, you build trust and strengthen workplace relationships.
6. Develop Self-Awareness
Self-aware leaders regularly reflect on their emotions and seek feedback from others. Understanding your own reactions allows you to regulate emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
7. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Great leaders view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset builds resilience and allows leaders to navigate setbacks with confidence.
8. Build Resilience
Resilience is not just about bouncing back from failure – it is about learning and adapting. By reframing negative experiences, you create new neural pathways that help you process setbacks with gratitude, empathy, and ownership, rather than blame or denial.
Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Strong Leadership
All these strategies contribute to high emotional intelligence (EQ) – the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. EQ is the foundation of great leadership, built on self-awareness, self-regulation, and strong people skills.
However, leaders can only go so far, and you must recognize when employees need additional support. At times, challenges go beyond what a leader alone can address, and that’s where executive coaching becomes invaluable. Whether through team coaching to improve dynamics or individual coaching to develop resilience and communication skills, executive coaching equips leaders with tools to foster a thriving workplace. Investing in coaching is an investment in both personal and organizational success.