Characteristics of a Healthy Leader
Leaders play an important role, and being a healthy leader is critical - for you and your team. Being an effective leader is more than simply managing tasks, budgets and driving results. A healthy leader embodies certain characteristics that not only contribute to your own personal well-being but also inspire and uplift your team. From self-awareness and self-care to setting boundaries and embracing a balanced lifestyle, there are traits we know that play a crucial role. We cultivate these positive characteristics with many professionals during our executive development coaching and leadership retreats.
Know Yourself - An Important First Step
Understanding yourself is a foundational aspect of leadership. According to the American Management Association, self-awareness helps leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, and values, enabling them to lead authentically. We know the significance of introspection, because leaders who take care of themselves are better equipped to support and care for their teams. Here are a few simple steps to work toward this goal:
Engage in self-reflection: take just five or ten minutes each day to reflect: what worked / what didn’t, and what could you do differently.
Cultivate trust and empathy
Build strong relationships within your team & organization. An 85-year Harvard study found that “social fitness” is the key to a long and happy life.
Take Care of Yourself - "Put your own mask on first"
Self-care is crucial for a healthy leader's well-being and ability to lead effectively. There’s a reason fight attendants advise us to put our own mask on first in an emergency: you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. Want to get better at taking care of yourself? Start with a few foundational self-care practices including:
Exercise
Rest
Stress management
McKinsey & Company advises leaders to view stress as an opportunity for growth and optimal performance, emphasizing the significance of managing stress effectively. By prioritizing self-care, leaders can maintain their physical and mental health, leading to improved decision-making, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
Role Model for Your Employees
Healthy leaders serve as role models for their employees, inspiring them to excel and contribute positively to the organization. The Association of MBAs emphasizes that leaders who embody integrity, professionalism, and effective communication sustain a culture of respect and motivation. By setting an example of excellence, healthy leaders motivate teamwork, smart risk-taking, and employee engagement. This role-modeling behavior encourages personal growth, empowers team members, and creates a positive work environment that supports executive leadership.
Recognize and Reward Healthy Practices
A healthy leader values a healthy lifestyle and recognizes employees who prioritize their well-being. How can you start? Two ideas: (1) By mandating reasonable working hours, leaders create a supportive environment that emphasizes work-life balance. (2) Leaders can reduce excessive meetings, or limit attendance to the critical few to allow for increased productivity and personal time across the team.
Recognizing and rewarding individuals who embrace a balanced outlook and lifestyle instills a culture of happiness and gratification. This approach supports individual and team performance by promoting physical and mental health, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
A healthy leader - a healthy human - recognizes that mistakes are inevitable and embraces self-compassion. The American Management Association highlights the importance of self-forgiveness and learning from failures. This tactic creates an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and smart risk-taking within the organization. By practicing self-forgiveness, coupled with self-awareness, you can create an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and risk-taking within your team.
Intentionally Build in Activities That Bring You Joy
A healthy leader recognizes the significance of incorporating activities that bring them joy. For instance:
Spending time with friends and family
Go for a nature walk
Taste-testing the latest restaurants
Pet play dates
What would you add to this list that brings you joy? By prioritizing joy and a personal sense of purpose, leaders enhance their well-being, leading to increased productivity and creativity.
Unleashing Leadership Potential: Nova Leadership's Expertise and Vision
After rewarding and successful executive careers in the corporate space, we established Nova Leadership - and we’re celebrating eight years together this month! Because we served on the leadership teams of multi-billion-dollar enterprises, we deeply understand the complexities of leadership. We’ve navigated the dynamic landscapes of hyper-growth and endured through times of instability and uncertainty, amassing invaluable lessons along the way. We know what it’s like to be at the top of your game - and how lonely that can feel at times. We’re thrilled to share our knowledge to you! Connect us today to embark on a transformative journey of growth and discovery.