#279: From Alarm to Exhaustion: Self-Awareness and Stress in Leadership
In this episode of The TRU Leader podcast, hosts Michelle and Tracy discuss the pervasive nature of stress in leadership and its impact on well-being. The episode delves into the general adaptation syndrome, which outlines the body’s response to prolonged stress in three stages—alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. They explore stress management strategies to prevent burnout, drawing from Michelle’s personal experience with stress-induced vision problems. The conversation highlights the concept of “microstressors,” subtle but persistent stress factors that can accumulate and lead to significant emotional tolls. Citing research by Rob Cross and Karen Dillon, they emphasize that high achievers often face unique stressors, such as managing both work and family responsibilities.
The hosts challenge common leadership norms that create undue pressure, such as the need for certainty and avoidance of vulnerability, and propose healthier leadership practices. They introduce a stress continuum model to help leaders gauge their stress levels, along with having a polarity mindset to balance competing values like self-care and caring for others. Leadership is likened to a marathon, requiring both endurance and recovery. The episode also encourages proactive strategies like open communication, prioritization, and mindfulness.
To further discuss these themes, listeners are encouraged to join our FREE webinar titled “From Stress to Success: The Formula for Leaders to Excel Professionally and Personally” which offering tools to help leaders thrive both professionally and personally. Register here.
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