Managing fatigue and leading confidently through turbulence

If you’re feeling exhausted right now, you’re not alone. Long periods of uncertainty, with a lack of answers and knowledge of what is going to happen next, is taking a huge emotional, mental and physical toll on leaders. You’re also dealing with fear, due to changing circumstances, conflicting reports on the news and no clear end in sight. There’s a massive impact on you, your business and your team.

For most leaders, this is hell; we have never been through this sort of situation before. There are so many unknowns and there is no rule book. We are living on high alert, on edge, living through a situation that has been going on for six months now, with no guarantee that it will finish anytime soon. Boards are nervous and asking for reassurance, your people are in pain and financial metrics are being severely impacted. 

For leaders, there is only one answer – the creation of a new normal.

You need to create your own normal, a routine that gives you a way to take time out and recuperate so you can continue to succeed and support those around you. This situation is a marathon not a sprint, yet we are operating at the intensity of a sprint. This cannot be maintained. 

The impact of operating at this intensity takes a toll, both on the individual and the business. It impacts decision making, focus, productivity, empathy and connection, personal relationships and health.  

Every day you are now dealing with challenges that one year ago were unheard of. There is little sense of normality at work or at home (and as for most of us, these are occurring in the same location, the stress is even greater.)

Leaders are in cortisol overload. To be effective for the long-term, you need to discover how you can reduce the effects of being in the midst of uncertainty and a high stress environment. 

It is up to you to carve out time to ensure you are in the best shape mentally, physically and emotionally to lead confidently during this challenging time. 

You need to look after yourself physically

Create time in your day to exercise and get some vitamin D. If you have a park close by, walk in nature. Stay hydrated and get quality sleep. Don't be a martyr - fatigue is real and it has a significant impact. 

You need to look after yourself mentally

If you don’t have a practice where you are able to quieten your mind, then now is the perfect time to adopt a new habit. Try to practice meditation or mindfulness. Take a break, clear your head. Switch off your phone so you can refocus and recharge.

You need to look after yourself emotionally

This is a time to find a way to nurture yourself. Talk to someone, get some mental health support if you need it. Take up journaling, scream into a pillow – whatever works. You need to release your emotions, or they will leak out in other ways and compromise your relationships with your team and at home.

Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary.

The society norm that looking after yourself is selfish is completely wrong. Right now, those leaders who believe this myth are suffering even more. You need to put on your oxygen mask first, so you can help others with theirs.

The world is full of fatigued leaders at the moment, who are making bad decisions because they are living in fear and overwhelm.

To lead, to show the way for others, you need to ensure you are caring for yourself first, so you can care for those that rely on you. People are searching for certainty and security - looking to leaders to say “we are going to be OK.” You cannot give this message if you are not OK yourself.