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Hello! I'm Meico. I'm a recovering workaholic who helps changemakers improve their well-being and increase their well-doing.

Self-care for team leaders in difficult times

Published 7 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader,

It’s been a challenging week, and I know you’re managing a lot right now. As you strategize what to do in the post-election season, I invite you to include your own well-being as part of your plan for moving forward.

This is particularly important as a team leader. Research shows that stress and anxiety can be contagious and detrimental at high levels if they’re not addressed. So, being able to skillfully manage your mental and emotional climate is a critical skill for leading your team during challenging times.

As flight attendants remind us: “In the event of a sudden drop in pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from above. Secure your own mask first before assisting others.”

This concept also applies to pouring into yourself personally and professionally. If you’re consistently pouring from a full or overflowing cup, you set yourself and your team up for sustained long-term success. Otherwise, your cup runs dry, you burn out, and your mission suffers.

As you navigate what’s ahead, I want to share six essential commitments for supporting your well-being while you lead your team through this challenging season. Collectively, I call these the P.A.U.S.E. for Change Commitments. I write about them in detail in How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World.

Pause—Regularly pause to refill your own cup so you have enough to pour into others. Consider:

  • Time-blocking daily start-and-stop routines to set boundaries.
  • Proactively scheduling time off or personal days to recharge.

Align—Be clear on your personal and professional "why" to guide decisions. Reflect on:

  • Your personal legacy and what you want to be remembered for.
  • What inspires you to keep going, especially in challenging times like now.
  • How these values shape daily priorities for you and your team.

Understand—Increase emotional intelligence to enhance interactions and decisions. This includes:

  • Recognizing and naming the emotions you and your team may be feeling about this week.
  • Validating both your own experiences and those of your team to foster safety and connection.

Serve—Serve at your best by minimizing distractions that hinder mission-critical work:

  • Limit excessive meetings and digital interruptions.
  • Prioritize focus time for the most impactful tasks.

Engage—Regularly engage with your team (and not just in times of crisis) by:

  • Being fully present and actively involved in their day-to-day work.
  • Regularly assessing and responding to their needs.
  • Communicating transparently about challenges, expectations, and upcoming changes.

As you take time to regroup, I invite you to pause and check in with yourself. What do YOU need to be okay right now? Take a moment to catch your breath and refill your own cup.

Then, get back to doing the good work.

Remember, you are smart, strong, and resilient. This isn’t your first time facing massive change and disruption and coming out on top.

Keep on keeping on,

Meico

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Hello! I'm Meico. I'm a recovering workaholic who helps changemakers improve their well-being and increase their well-doing.

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