CEOS ARE SOME OF THE HIGHEST-PAID INDIVIDUALS IN THE COUNTRY AND HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THEIR COMPANIES' SUCCESS OR FAILURE.
SO, HOW DOES MENTAL HEALTH AFFECT CEO PERFORMANCE?
THE STRESSFUL DEMANDS OF CEOS.
The chief executive role can be all-consuming with its magnitude of expectations, responsibilities, and complexities. The challenge of leading the way and executing strategy, especially during turbulent times, can take its toll. An opportunity to take a break (or even take a breath) can be rare. Still, there is an expectation for the CEO to be superhuman and 'rise above' challenges that would typically affect the mental health and well-being of anyone.
In their leadership position, what a CEO is experiencing internally will naturally affect those around them. If they are stressed out, suffering from depression, or struggling with other mental health issues, the ripples can start to spread– no matter how visible or subtle they might be.
THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CEOS MATTERS.
A study conducted at Harvard Business School found that the mental health of CEOs has a significant impact on the performance of their companies. If a CEO struggles with stress or anxiety, it can affect their ability to perform.
According to a recent study, 49% of CEOs reported struggling with a mental health issue.
The majority said they were feeling overworked, exhausted, and stressed out. Those in leadership positions feel the enormous pressure of being "the face" of an organization while at the same time feeling that they must present as being strong, capable, and in control– as opposed to vulnerable, unsure, or even merely 'human.'
Research suggests that the character traits and psychological attributes that make for great leaders might also make individuals more prone to mental health issues. The skills and habits that create pathways for the success of companies can be taxing on people. For example, hyper-vigilance can lead to anxiety and sleepless nights; multi-tasking and planning can lead to rumination and fatigue.
We have all heard the phrase 'it's lonely at the top.' This can be very real for top CEOs, who may find it difficult to connect to share their thoughts and feelings with others and connect on a personal level. This is a basic human need that industry leaders may be lacking, which can impact their mental health– especially after a period of isolation caused by the pandemic.
MENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES.
Here are some ways to begin addressing, prioritizing, and nurturing mental health care and well-being, starting at the top.
NORMALIZE THE DISCUSSION AROUND MENTAL HEALTH.
Often, struggles with mental health are viewed as weaknesses with built-in pressures to hide or minimize the symptoms.
CEOs and their senior leadership teams must start and lead conversations about mental health, then institutionalize a culture within the company that prioritizes and supports it. Leadership should look at the benefits and resources already offered to employees to see if they're both meaningful and appropriate. Mental health should be addressed at the level of prevention and at the level of support for people who are currently struggling.
LEAD WITH VULNERABILITY.
The pressure to appear strong and in control at all times can add to the already high expectations of CEOs. The mentality of "leading by example" can be hard-baked into leadership culture to maintain energy and focus. However, in times like these, showing vulnerability can be an incredible leadership skill that signifies strength and emotional intelligence– not weakness.
Leading with vulnerability includes both listening and creating space. By keeping the ego in check and asking for help, transformational conversations can occur, even if they are difficult. The goal is openness, honesty, and hearing what people have to say.
This can help leaders form deeper connections and trust with their teams and allow them to address their actual emotional states. Vulnerability also provides a profound sense of freedom, creating pathways for creativity and innovation. When we protect ourselves with defenses and the fear of making mistakes, we limit creativity by not taking the risks that could become a huge success– or, at least, an opportunity for learning.
Leaders who allow themselves to make mistakes, admit that they don't have all the answers, and take risks are admirable and create a culture of learning and growth.
CREATE A CULTURE OF SUPPORT.
Destigmatizing mental health issues in an employee population requires addressing a company's cultural foundations. After all, it doesn't matter what resources you offer if people don't feel comfortable using them. Starting at the top with the CEO, the conversation should flow outward from management and throughout the company. Keeping the discussion of "How are you, really?" open and honest among teams can be immeasurably healing and uplifting for morale, engagement, and overall well-being.
5 SELF-CARE HABITS
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS
Outside of the workplace or corporate environment, here are some things leaders can do to reduce stress, increase resilience, and be better business leaders. Remember, the mental health and well-being of CEOs can have an impact that goes far beyond them.
1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS Support the mind-body connection and get the blood flowing: a study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Don't you think you have time to go for a walk?
2. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION Developing a mindfulness practice is paramount for the modern executive. This can be deep breathing, meditation, or taking a few moments throughout the day for grounding and getting 'back into the body.'
“THE JOB OF THE MIND IS TO PROBLEM SOLVE, TO THINK THOUGHTS, AND THAT’S OK. BUT SOMETIMES, IT KEEPS US FROM BEING OUR BEST. WHAT MEDITATION ALLOWS US TO DO IS NOT GET HUNG UP ON THOSE THOUGHTS OR LET THE THOUGHTS TAKE OVER. TO GIVE OURSELVES THE SPACE TO FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS, AT THAT MOMENT.” — JANET FOUTS, EXECUTIVE MINDFULNESS COACH
3. WORKING WITH PRIVATE EXECUTIVE COACHES OR CEO PEER GROUPS CEO peer groups, such as The Alliance of Chief Executives, pair you with a group of other leaders and a group facilitator who often is a seasoned CEO. Because of the varied experiences within the group, and the collective wisdom, these groups are a great way to get out of the isolation within your own head and tackle challenges with others who understand.
4. SEE A THERAPIST Working with a professional psychotherapist can give executives a new set of tools for dealing with the intense emotions and stressors of work and family life. They can also help individuals see patterns of behaviors and other issues that may be at the core of certain difficulties they may be facing.
5. SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY Being around enjoyable friends and family can be an instant mental health boost. Unfortunately, many of us have drifted apart over the last few years due to isolation, unusual work-from-home schedules, and increased stressors in daily life. Keeping the connection with others alive and well is worth the effort and can positively impact our mental health. So whether it is time spent in-person or over a chat or Zoom, reach out to a loved one and enjoy the relationships in your life.
Parallels offers coaching for leaders as well as Consulting for teams and organizations. If you are interested in corporate wellness integrations or one-on-one executive coaching, reach out today.
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