Wellbeing and Leadership

As I coach more and more senior executives and GS-15s in the federal government I am seeing a trend of them a managing huge teams, having a lot of work on their plate, and therefore spending long hours at the office to ensure the best possible work outcomes. With these long hours and strenuous demands, however, these executives are stressed out and wanting to figure out a way to being some more balance into their work and lives. They are realizing that there has been an impact on their wellbeing and are wanting to determine a way to focus more on themselves. Here are some tips for all of you busy executives out there:

• Delegate more - figure out what is essential for you to keep and then begin to delegate more and more of the non-essential tasks to your staff. In this way you are developing and training your team as well as freeing up your time to focus on work that only you can do (e.g. - setting the vision, leading strategic initiatives, introducing change).
• Do one thing a day that will enhance your wellbeing - whether it is exercising before you go to work, taking a break during the day and interacting socially with your staff, leaving work to make it home for dinner with your family before logging back onto the computer, or eating a healthy lunch it is important to do something good for yourself each and every day to satisfy your whole being so that you can be more productive and efficient when you are working.
• Take a pause - whether it be meditating for 10 minutes a day or taking a yoga class recognize the connection between your mind and body can make a huge difference in nourishing your wellbeing. It can also help in enhancing innovation, creativity, and opening up your intuitive senses.

What can you begin to implement today to enhance your wellbeing?