The Importance of Wellbeing for Leaders

In the same way we have to prioritize ourselves in an emergency, we must also realize the importance of wellbeing for leaders being fit to serve day to day.

We are all familiar with the announcement, “always secure your own oxygen mask before helping others,” that the flight attendant rattles off. Oftentimes, you’ll find yourself distracted by your device or the screaming child (adult?) kicking the back of your seat. Then your eyes glaze over and your mind starts to wander, ignoring the lecture you’ve memorized by heart.

Then again, maybe you focus on the seemingly contradictory advice to help yourself first. On the surface this may seem a bit overly-focused on self. Especially if you have children, you’ve been daunted by the thought of putting yourself first and your little one next. “Wouldn’t I want to save my son?”, you ask. In this very question lies the point of the instruction. If you don’t equip yourself, you won’t be any good to anybody.

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Even Frequent Flyers Need to Refocus

So it goes in the workplace for you the leader as well. Frequently, leaders get caught up with everyday pressures and stressors, thinking about the needs of the business first, rather than their own. Leaders focus on helping others because we know that healthy employees create healthy businesses.

However, even if you’re a “frequent flyer” with years of leadership experience, listen up, because workplace wellness begins with you. Before you can guide your employees to wellness, you must get well first. Not only will your team be more effective, but you will be too.

“Walk the Talk”

As a leader, be sure to work on your physical health and check in on your emotional wellbeing daily. Make time for social and spiritual connections while managing current stress and setting realistic goals for the future. By keeping this in mind, you’ll be better equipped to lead your team to productivity.

Leaders who “walk the talk” are more likely to guide their teams to success because they act as a role model and guide. When employees see their leader at his or her very best, they naturally strive to be their best too. Be who you want them to be. You’ll both benefit.

In the next post, we’ll redirect our discussion back to equipping your employees with tools to get them involved in your wellness mission. Other posts in this series are:

• Making Workplace Wellness a Priority – Parts Can Compromise the Whole
• The Role of Communication in Workplace Wellness: A Healthy Staple
• The Importance of Wellbeing for Leaders – Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First
• The Role of Management in Promoting Workplace Wellness: Build a Better Toolbox
• There’s No “I” in Wellness – – Or is There? What You Can Do Now To Nurture Workplace Wellbeing

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