My Top 7 Self-Care Resources for Resilient Leadership

Are you a leader who is stretched to the limit? In addition to coping with rapid change and uncertainty, we expect our leaders to be more flexible, be more inclusive, show more empathy, be a better coach, be more optimistic, be more innovative. And the list goes on.

One of our fundamental principles at Next Element is, “First, look in the mirror.” What this means is that while we can’t control what happens out there, we can control our own responses. In a sea of change, leaders who practice self-care are able to weather the storm and help guide others through the turbulence.

How can leaders practice good self-care and stay resilient? Here are 8 self-care resources: Permissions, Self-Compassion, Balance, Daily Battery Charges, Energy Management, Emotional Authenticity, and Openness.

Nine Self-Permissions to Stay Healthy During Crisis

Permission is one of the most powerful resilience-boosters. During crisis and change, healthy permissions can help you maintain perspective, avoid unrealistic expectations of yourself, and be fully present. Once you master these permissions for yourself, try giving them to your employees and watch engagement go through the roof.

Here are ten more permissions for trainers and coaches.

Self-Compassion vs. Compassionate Self-Care

Self-Compassion is so important during stress. Practices such as mindfulness, self-acceptance, and presence help our social and emotional well-being. But we need more than that to stay healthy when we are facing rapid change and being stretched thin. Compassionate self-care reinforces that we are valuable, capable, and responsible regardless of the situation.

How to Know If You Are Overdoing It?

As a leader, your character strengths are your greatest asset. Relying too much on our most developed strengths, however, can reduce resiliency and lead to burnout. Here’s how to know if you are overdoing it with your signature strengths.

Resilient Leadership At The End of The Day

When you look back at the end of each day, what energizes you? What drains you? How do you know? This article will guide you in identifying your energy-boosters and taking steps to end your day taking care of your social and emotional well-being.

What The Martian Can Teach You About Charging Your Batteries

Energy management is one of the most important skills for resilient leadership. Once you identify your energy-boosters in the previous article, use this movie metaphor to understand how psychological needs contribute to helping you in the long journey.

The Six Emotional Motives for Authenticity

Authenticity is rooted in the transparency and alignment between who you are and what you do. This includes emotions. Here are six uncomfortable emotions that often show up during stress. Learning to identify them and authentically experience them authentically is a critical step toward emotional resilience. Pay special attention to any that hit particularly close to home for you.

Get the backstory in this prequel article. 

Build Resilience Through Openness

Countless leaders are stuck in a seemingly impossible place, trying to fulfill their accountabilities to upper management while trying to help their employees keep up with a rapidly changing landscape. There’s no magic solution for this problem, but there is a critical piece of the puzzle that most leaders miss. Learn why opening up actually makes you stronger and amplifies hope.

Is your team going through a crisis? Read how to hone these seven principles of leadership to maintain a compassionate workplace!

Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2021