Leadership Coaching Tips: Transitioning to an Executive Leader
In this blog, we will review numerous tips to help with your transition to an executive leader and discuss the mental obstacles you may encounter. It's important to understand these challenges and learn how to overcome them so that you can be an efficient and strong leader for yourself and others.
Tips to help your mental health as an executive leader
Overcoming Loneliness As a Leader
Going from your previous role to an executive leader can be challenging for most as your relationships with your coworkers change. You're no longer working with your coworkers; you're managing them. This can be difficult and cause people to feel isolated in the workplace, as they have to change how they would usually communicate. It will take some time to get familiar with your new relationships, but there are simple things you can do to help or even prevent you from feeling lonely, such as;
Interact with your team
Yes, you are an executive leader and need to be more professional, but don't let that change who you are. Remember that you can still share jokes with them and enjoy their company, as they are still people you have previously connected with and enjoyed being around. Make sure you stay involved with the work you do and distribute the work fairly between you and your staff members. Ensure that all team members receive a diverse set of tasks, or they may begin to dislike their role within the company.
Isolate Yourself in Moderation
This may seem counterproductive in overcoming your loneliness, but sometimes people need to have moments by themselves to either calm their nerves, deal with stress, or boost their mood. By listening to music, getting some fresh air, or reading a chapter of your favourite book, even if it's just for 10 minutes, you can support yourself mentally. These may seem like small and unimportant tasks, but they're quite the opposite. They help boost your confidence and feel more comfortable where you are.
Celebrate Both You & Your Team’s Success
By acknowledging achievements within your team, both big and small, your team will recognise your effort, and it will build your staff's motivation and confidence. It is also crucial to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Most people don't give themselves the 'well done' they deserve and, by doing so, end up feeling demotivated or down. It's essential to acknowledge both your and your staff's success as it leads to people feeling appreciated, engaged, and motivated to perform their best. If you're struggling with how to show you've acknowledged your employees's achievements, you can;
Express gratitude
Showing gratitude to your team members for their dedication and hard work can make them feel valued and appreciated. A simple 'thank you' or note can go a long way!
Reflect on your achievements and encourage others to do the same.
Think back to when you started in the company, how far you've come, the challenges you've faced, and how hard you worked to get to where you are today. This simple task makes you look back at everything, and you end up giving your achievements more significance. By looking back, you can build yourself new goals and motivation.
Have fun!
Be creative and have fun by organising events, small games or competitions based on previous success. You can add excitement and engagement to success and encourage your team. This will also build your relationships with your staff, giving you all time to interact less professionally.
Manage & Prevent Your Burnout
Going to a new role can be difficult for anyone; it's crucial to make sure you stay calm in the new role, as it may lead to burnout. You can help yourself or even prevent burnout by doing simple tasks such as;
Take breaks!
If you are working every day and all day, you will eventually cause yourself to lose all your motivation and become burnt out. By taking small regular breaks, you give yourself time to relax your mind. You can go for some fresh air, talk to your employees, and make yourself a coffee. Although they seem like small things that wouldn't do anything, they actually help you regain your focus, boost your productivity, and give your mind those simple moments where your stress levels will be lowered.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate things such as taking deep breaths, meditation, or journaling into your daily routine. This will help you improve your overall wellbeing.
If you need to, seek professional help.
Sometimes, you can become overwhelmed and unsure, leading yourself to burnout. By going to a coach, they can help you regain your motivation, build your confidence, and plan your days to make them easier for you in the long run.
If you are seeking a professional leadership coach, feel free to view my coaching page or get in touch. If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our previous blogs.
