astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131\n\tA few months ago, I hosted a Virtual Leadership Summit in which I interviewed more than 20 thought leaders. My questions had to do with how leadership might change as a result of the pandemic. One important conclusion was that leaders need to take care of themselves.<\/p>\n
\n\tI interviewed Rebecca Zucker, executive coach and founding partner of Next Step Partners, and she shared this story. “Lisa” was SVP of Strategy at a company that was struggling—its stock price had taken a real hit in recent months. Lisa made a presentation to the Board and got pummeled with questions she hadn’t anticipated. She was reactive, and the meeting did not go well.<\/p>\n
\n\tAfterward, Lisa ruminated endlessly, replaying the meeting over and over again in her mind, beating herself up each time. She was not able to step back and (1) process this painful experience so she might prepare and respond differently the next time she gets questions that could put her on the defensive, and (2) give herself some compassion—that she had tried her best and no one is perfect in life and in work. Ultimately, she learned to be kinder to herself and recognize she is not the only person who has experienced this type of situation. If it had been someone on her team, she would have been more understanding and forgiving than she was on herself.<\/p>\n
\n\tPut on Your Own Mask First<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tWhile it is easy to be hard on ourselves and focus on taking care of others, leaders need to care for themselves first. We need to remember to follow the oxygen mask directions: “Put on your own mask first before assisting others.”<\/p>\n \n\tIn order to take care of ourselves, the most common advice is also common sense. We need to eat right, get enough sleep, and make sure to exercise. Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are also recommended practices. These actions all promote improved health and well-being. They are linked to having better moods, higher energy, increased focus.<\/p>\n \n\tDuring this pandemic, anxiety, stress, and uncertainty are at all-time highs. We know we should be taking better care of ourselves. So what is holding us back from even common-sense self-care?<\/p>\n \n\tAccording to a recent article in Harvard Business Review <\/em>by Palena Neale, leaders are too tough on themselves and need to reframe<\/em> how they think of caring for themselves. Neale says her clients often have three main excuses for resisting self-care. To overcome these excuses, she asks questions to help them reframe their thinking.<\/p>\n \n\t1. “Self-care is new-age nonsense.” <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t2. “I don’t have enough time.” <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t3. “I’m a strong leader. I shouldn’t need self-care.” <\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tThere could not be a better time to focus on self-care while also caring for others. These times are calling for leaders to be empathetic, compassionate, and understanding. To get started, remember these points:<\/p>\n \n\tAsk Yourself These Daily Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tSelf-care begins with you. The most important person to lead is yourself. You are the CEO of you! Make sure you use the tools you need to become a happier, healthier person and leader. When you invest in your own well-being, you inspire others around you to do the same.<\/p>\n\n
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