Managing Concerns, Apprehension, Tension, Burden, and Tension
Leading with Reflection: A Formula for Reduced Stress and Enhanced Mental Health
In the realm of values-based leadership, a prominent figure advocates for the practice of self-reflection as a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. During a recent presentation, this speaker was asked about what keeps them up at night, to which they responded with a thoughtful and insightful answer.
The speaker believes that focusing on doing the right thing is crucial for reinforcing values-based leadership, which emphasizes influencing and relating to others. They shared that they stay up late for self-reflection, focusing on what went well and what didn't, and their goals of doing the right thing and doing the best they can.
Self-reflection, according to the speaker, can help determine the right thing to do in difficult situations, proactively rather than reactively. They see life as a sine wave, likely to have ups and downs, and believe that self-reflection is an essential tool for navigating these challenges.
The speaker also values surrounding oneself with trusted advisors in times of difficulty. They see themselves as a role model by doing the best they can, and they appreciate the value of clinical treatment for mental-health issues but believe that self-reflection can benefit everyone.
In the world of modern leadership, potential causes of insomnia include AI's inroads into the workplace and nonstop social-media blitzes. However, the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in preparing for and responding to difficulties.
The benefits of self-reflection for leaders are numerous. Increased self-awareness through reflection allows leaders to identify their stress triggers, emotional responses, and behavioural patterns, fostering emotional resilience. Cultivating core values and ethical commitment provides leaders with a clear personal compass, reducing internal conflict and anxiety. Authenticity and alignment between values and actions decrease the emotional toll of leadership, and reflective practices like journaling, mindfulness, and meditation lower anxiety and overwhelm.
Moreover, a commitment to doing one’s best encourages a growth mindset, reframing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Compassion and self-care paired with reflection support leaders’ mental well-being by fostering balance between care for others and care for themselves.
In conclusion, through self-reflection, leaders develop emotional insight and stress management skills, while commitment to integrity and best effort nurtures purposeful, authentic leadership. These practices reduce emotional exhaustion and mental health risks by fostering clarity, resilience, and a supportive leadership presence.
This approach is supported by research and expert insights on leadership self-care, compassion, mindfulness, and values-based leadership. It is a testament to the speaker's wisdom and a valuable reminder for all leaders to prioritise self-reflection in their journey towards effective and healthy leadership.
[1] Smith, J. (2021). The Power of Mindfulness for Leaders. Harvard Business Review.
[2] Langer, E. J. (2018). Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Enhancing Focus, Finding Purpose, and Living a Fulfilling Life. Simon and Schuster.
[3] Goleman, D. (2013). Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence. Harvard Business Review Press.
[4] Boyatzis, R. E., & McKee, A. (2005). Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope, and Compassion. Harvard Business Press.
[5] Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Simon and Schuster.
This article originally appeared in Forbes. The speaker is a husband with five children and one grandchild, and a former chair and CEO of a $12 billion company with 55,000 employees. They also highlighted that 55 percent of CEOs and 50 percent of their team members experience mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, according to research. The speaker suggests that self-reflection and engaging with other values-based people can help determine the right thing to do in difficult situations, and they advise finding the worst-case scenario enlightening, as it helps in preparing for potential difficulties.
- In the discussion on values-based leadership, the speaker values self-reflection for its ability to help determine the right course of action in challenging situations, especially in the context of mental-health issues that are prevalent among CEOs and their teams, as highlighted in the speaker's presentation.
- The speaker, who emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for mental well-being, also recognizes the significance of self-reflection in the realm of health-and-wellness, particularly in relation to mental-health, as stressed in their conversation regarding leading with reflection and the importance of emotional resilience, authenticity, and self-care for effective and healthy leadership.
