Self-Care: The Best Leadership Strategy in Times of Change

Large organizations, especially within the corporate sector, periodically undergo transformative changes that can reshape job structures and, in certain instances, lead to job losses. One year after the 2022 elections, the Victorian Government is also currently navigating a transformative journey toward greater efficiency. A journey, that is characterized by plans to streamline the Victorian Public Service. In this context, effective leadership becomes crucial. It plays a vital role in addressing concerns and ensuring the well-being of individuals facing potential job losses. But what happens when leaders are also faced with the same dilemma?

A Leader’s Reflection

As someone who has worked in the Victorian State Government for over two decades in senior leadership roles, I have dealt with several restructures. So, the impending restructuring and the looming prospect of job loss prompted me to reflect on my career path. However, the initial excitement for a fresh start faded quickly when my job was officially announced to be axed.

I thought I was prepared for the change but, the announcement did shake me. To my surprise, I suddenly felt fatigued! I found it challenging to communicate with others.

Understanding Emotional Responses

I later discovered that experiencing fatigue in response to news of job redundancy is a common and complex emotional response, even when we are prepared for the change. The sudden exposure to such organisational changes can evoke many emotions, including anxiety, uncertainty, and loss. Research suggests that the psychological impact of job insecurity can be profound, leading to heightened stress levels and mental exhaustion. For me, this change translated into losing longstanding relationships, personal identity, and a sense of connectedness.

Balancing Team Support And Self Care

During this challenging phase, I wrestled with supporting my staff while navigating my professional uncertainties. I found it hard to be fully available to them immediately after the announcement. While my team were affected by subtle changes that created uncertainty, thankfully, no one faced potential job losses. So, I convinced myself that immediate support wasn’t the only solution. Instead, I stepped back, gathered my emotions, and approached my team after two days. In the interim, I advised them they could still reach out if they needed me.

Although none of my staff members lost their jobs, the experience left me with a profound sense of guilt. I felt that I should have been there for them more. However, when I reconnected with my team two days later, expressing my availability and support, I was pleasantly surprised. Their response exceeded my expectations. In fact, my team understood my situation and valued the considerate manner in which I returned to provide full attention and support.

This experience is not unique to me! Many leaders guiding their teams through organisational changes struggle to recognize that supporting others should not come at the expense of their needs. But, if you, as a leader, are also affected by these changes, taking a step back to priorities self-care is not just acceptable—it’s a lifeline.

Strategies for Effective Leadership and Self-Care

Let’s explore why leaders managing others should step back and prioritise self-care. And why they should also model this behaviour for the well-being of both themselves and their teams.

1. Setting Emotional Boundaries: Extensive research, including insights from the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), emphasizes the importance of deliberately acknowledging and respecting personal emotional limits. Leaders adopting this approach foster increased resilience and can effectively manage the challenges and uncertainties tied to organizational shifts. In doing so, they set a positive example for their teams.
2. The Leadership Oxygen Mask Analogy: The wisdom of “Put on your oxygen mask before assisting others” applies profoundly to leadership and change. Australian career counsellors and psychologists, such as those associated with the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), stress the importance of maintaining emotional resilience while coping with unemployment challenges. CDAA also provides practical guidance for self-care during professional transitions.
3. Respecting the Depth of Leader’s Experience: Organizational changes, particularly those involving job loss, carry a profound emotional impact. Australian Psychological Society (APS), highlight the significance of emotional intelligence in navigating the complex psychological landscape brought on by job loss and organizational shifts. In particular, they emphasise the need for time and space to process feelings.
4. Practising Self-Compassion: In the face of organizational changes that include job loss, self-compassion becomes a powerful coping mechanism. Australian mental health experts, including those at Beyond Blue, emphasize its importance in navigating the emotional complexities of job loss and subsequent career changes. They also provide relevant resources and tools on their website to guide individuals in fostering self-compassion during these challenging times.
5. Communicating Healthy Boundaries: Transparent communication is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships during organizational changes. Leaders who openly share their commitment to self-care set a positive example for their teams. Australian workplace experts, including professionals from the Fair Work Ombudsman, offer practical guidance on effective communication. They also provide insights on setting boundaries during periods of job uncertainty. Their insights help individuals navigate conversations with colleagues, superiors, and themselves.
6. Building Resilience for Effective Leadership: Contrary to the misconception that stepping back is a sign of weakness, Australian mental health experts from the Australian Government’s Job Outlook program emphasize the pivotal role of self-care. They highlight its importance in building resilience during job loss and career transitions. Additionally, they also offer practical advice on maintaining physical and mental well-being while navigating unemployment challenges. This involves a deliberate, strategic approach to nourishing our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritizing personal well-being becomes a dynamic strategy to thrive amidst life’s challenges.
7. Letting Go of Leader’s Guilt: Leaders sometimes feel guilty when considering self-care amidst organizational transitions. Career development researchers from the National Career Development Association (NCDA dispel the myth that leaders should feel guilty about prioritizing their well-being. Leaders who let go of this guilt contribute to a healthier work environment. Similarly, Australian researchers, including the Black Dog Institute, provide evidence that prioritizing one’s well-being is essential and foundational for overall mental health. Letting go of guilt becomes a liberating step towards embracing personal change and freeing ourselves from societal expectations.
8. Physical and Mental Well-Being: The impact of job loss extends beyond emotions, affecting physical and mental well-being. The Australian Psychological Society offers valuable resources on recognizing and managing the physical effects of stress during transitions. Additionally, Headspace provides resources to help identify and manage the holistic impacts of job loss on overall health. They offer guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and seeking professional support.
9. Seeking Support for Emotional Well-Being: Anxiety is a normal emotional response for individuals navigating change. Counselling services, including those recommended by Lifeline Australia, acknowledge the emotional toll of job loss and stress the importance of seeking professional support. They provide avenues for individuals to address anxiety and other mental health concerns, fostering a culture of emotional well-being during challenging transitions.

Conclusion: Embracing Self Care

As you navigate the many organisational changes and potential job loss, let go of unwarranted guilt, pay attention to your emotional and physical signals, and acknowledge the depth of your experience. Embrace your journey with the understanding that taking a step back is not a retreat but a forward-thinking act of self-compassion. Your well-being matters! By caring for yourself, you’re better positioned to navigate the challenges.