How has checking in with others reduced your stress and theirs?
In a recent meeting among school Superintendents, there was a conversation regarding our need of leaning on one another when times get tough. Each Superintendent voiced their frustrations on our jobs and feeling as if we were on an island all alone. The point I shared with my colleagues was the importance of finding a moment in our days or week, in which we work on something we genuinely enjoy. This could be the one thing that revives our passions and gets us excited again. Sharing our struggles with a group of like-minded individuals helps all involved to meet the demands of our roles in leadership. How are you managing yourself and who are you helping along the way?
Leading an organization is difficult and complex. We rarely hear anything positive and are always dealing with issues. Many times, when something occurs, we have little control of how things go down and are then responsible to pick up the pieces. This is why it is extremely important to check in on our colleagues and friends. A simple check-in or conversation may be all that is needed to offset someone’s difficult day, and it shows you care for that person and the relationship you share. What about you? What are you doing to offset the difficult days and moments? You must be responsible for managing your levels of stress, too. What outlets do you choose when you are struggling? We must identify the moments in our day or the activities we enjoy, related to our positions. For me, I enjoy learning opportunities with others as a highlight in my week. Each week, I meet with my Mastermind groups or dig into my own individualized learning path. Identifying something that lifts you up and energizes your mind can keep you going when times are tough.
Which colleagues should you check in with, and why?
How are you managing your stress levels, and who could help you?
What activities could you engage in, to reignite your energy?
Leadership, of course, is hard but knowing we have colleagues and friends in the same boat is a lifeline we must grab. We don’t have to weather the storms alone. There are people with similar experiences that could be a resource to us, and we too can be a resource to others. This week, I challenge you to reach out to a friend, just to check on them. See if they need your support. Thanks for checking out this post, and please leave a comment below that will contribute to this conversation.
Steve Bucks~ Leading Conversations and Leadership Coaching
~Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member~
