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In Russia, a woman leader is not uncommon. In terms of the number of women in key positions (47%), our country is at the forefront. However, for many of them, a career is not only a way of self-realization, but also a source of permanent stress. Including because of the need to prove that we can lead no worse than men. How to remain a leader and prevent emotional burnout?
Stress makes us vulnerable, including professionally. We may feel frustrated, exhausted, and lash out at those around us, even though as a leader we must inspire and be a role model.
Nervous strain leads to emotional breakdowns and often to a complete loss of interest in a career. According to a study by the Network of Executive Women, women are twice as likely as men to leave high positions. It is chronic stress that respondents call one of the most common reasons why they decide to say goodbye to their once beloved job.
You should not wait until the moment when working for wear and tear will lead to professional burnout. There are many ways to reduce the effects of stress.
1. Learn to differentiate “good” stress from “bad” stress
In The Other Side of Stress, American psychologist and Stanford University lecturer Kelly McGonigal argues that not all stress is bad for the body. Positive (it is called “eustress”), “stress with a happy ending” can be associated with new interesting tasks, opportunities for growth and development, and emotional feedback from subordinates.
But even that can become a serious problem if you overexert yourself for too long. Therefore, even if you are happy in your place, make sure that periods of active involvement in work activities are replaced by rest, and professional challenges do not become an end in themselves.
2. Say “no” more often
It has long been known that women have better empathy, so they often put the needs of other people (for example, a husband or child) before their own. This trait helps women leaders pull out of difficult situations not only individual employees, but the whole business. Research shows that women are more likely than men to be put in charge of failing companies.
But empathy can be a dangerous quality: trying to help everyone around you usually ends in stress, overexertion, and feelings of powerlessness. Therefore, it is worth carefully planning your schedule and learning not to be distracted by every task that arises — many of them must be abandoned without regret.
3. Make time for yourself
You can fully engage in work affairs only if you yourself are in a clear mind and in a good mood (not to mention a healthy body). YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki recommends that you make sure to build in your daily schedule to take breaks from focusing solely on yourself. This is just as important as meetings and meetings. At this time, you can go for a massage, fitness, meditate, or just sit in silence to «recharge» the brain.
4. Participate in programs to develop women in your company
Coping with stress is possible not only individually, but also at the corporate level. In modern companies, there are initiatives aimed at helping women build careers and enable them to more effectively cope with various social roles.
For example, KFC has developed the Heart Led Women program aimed at developing leadership skills. Employees of the company participate in volunteer projects, become mentors and tutors for wards from orphanages, conduct seminars and master classes. Volunteers learn to motivate others and develop their emotional intelligence – and hence their resilience.