Written by: Dr. Zoran M Pavlovic, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today's world, leaders are navigating through a labyrinth of unprecedented challenges. Rapid technological advancements, global economic shifts, and a surge in socio-political upheavals have marked the onset of the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a centennial health crisis, has further escalated uncertainties, profoundly disrupting lives and businesses globally. These turbulent times are characterized by a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, which has become a staple term in the contemporary organizational lexicon. The impact of these uncertain times is multifaceted and profound. Economically, businesses face unpredictability in markets, necessitating swift and often drastic strategic pivots. Politically, the rise in populism and polarization presents a challenging landscape for decision-making and governance. Socially, the digital revolution and the shift in work dynamics, like the rise of remote working, have altered the fabric of workplace interactions and societal connections.
These dynamics exert immense pressure on leaders across all sectors. They are tasked with steering their organizations through uncharted waters, often having to make critical decisions with limited information. The pace and magnitude of change demand constant adaptability and foresight, leaving little room for error. This relentless pressure cooker environment can take a significant toll on anyone, and leaders, despite their position, are not immune to its effects.
The mental health of leaders is paramount, not only for their well-being but also for the health and success of their organizations. Effective leadership is inherently tied to cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills, all of which can be compromised by poor mental health. A leader grappling with mental health issues may face difficulties in concentration, making rational decisions, and managing emotions - all critical competencies for sound leadership. Moreover, the mental health of a leader sets the tone for the organizational culture. Leaders are role models; their attitudes and behaviors are often mirrored by their teams. A leader who prioritizes mental health and well-being can foster a supportive and open environment, encouraging others to seek help when needed and ensuring the overall health of the organization. Conversely, the leaders who neglect their mental health can inadvertently contribute to a toxic work environment characterized by stress, burnout, and low morale.
In these uncertain times, the resilience of a leader is more critical than ever. Resilient leaders are better equipped to handle stress, adapt to change, and bounce back from setbacks. This resilience does not just benefit the individual leader; it cascades down to their teams and organizations, promoting a culture of resilience and adaptability. Therefore, addressing and supporting leaders' mental health is not a luxury but a necessity, integral to the sustained success and health of both the leaders and the organizations they guide.
Deloitte's research highlights the profound effects of the global pandemic on individuals' lives, livelihoods, relationships, and physical and mental health. The study revealed a significant decline in workers' mental health since early 2020, particularly among those in management positions. Senior leaders, in particular, are facing higher levels of work stress due to rising workloads, longer hours, and the responsibility of ensuring staff well-being. These challenges have led to more than 80% of senior leaders reporting exhaustion at a level typical of burnout risk and 51% considering leaving their roles.
McKinsey's research complements this by showing how around 60% of employees have faced mental health challenges at some point, underlining the widespread nature of this issue. This statistic is crucial for leaders, as it indicates that a significant portion of their workforce is directly or indirectly affected by mental health challenges. However, a McKinsey survey also found that employees might be reluctant to discuss mental health or well-being challenges due to stigma, with many avoiding treatment to prevent others from finding out. McKinsey further outlines critical factors for a healthy workplace, which are directly influenced by leadership. These include eliminating toxic workplace behavior, fostering inclusivity and belonging, promoting sustainable work, creating supportive growth environments, ensuring freedom from stigma and discrimination, holding organizational accountability, and demonstrating leadership commitment to employee mental health.
The unique stressors on leaders
Leaders often face complex and high-stakes decisions with significant consequences for their organizations and stakeholders. The cognitive load of continuous decision-making, especially under uncertainty, can be immense. This pressure is amplified in crises where decisions must be made rapidly, often without complete information, leading to increased anxiety and second-guessing oneself. Leaders in the public eye or at the helm of significant organizations are subject to intense scrutiny. Every decision, statement, and action can be analyzed and criticized by the media, stakeholders, and the public. This environment can lead to a persistent sense of being judged and a fear of public failure, which can be mentally exhausting and contribute to heightened stress levels. The always-on nature of modern leadership roles, with constant connectivity and global operations, often means that work spills into personal time, disrupting the work-life balance. Leaders may struggle to find time for emotional health, family, and relaxation, leading to chronic stress and impacting their overall well-being.
Common mental health issues among leaders
The relentless pressures of leadership can lead to chronic stress and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include excessive worrying, difficulty in making decisions, irritability, sleep disturbances, and physical manifestations like headaches or gastrointestinal issues. Long-term, unaddressed anxiety can severely impact a leader's ability to function effectively. The isolating nature of leadership roles, where leaders may feel they have to shoulder burdens alone, can contribute to depression. Depressive symptoms might manifest as a persistent low mood, lack of energy, changes in appetite, withdrawal from social interactions, and a decrease in performance. Depression in leaders can be particularly challenging as it can impact decision-making, creativity, and interpersonal relationships. Leaders are particularly susceptible to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Symptoms include feeling overwhelmed and drained, cynicism about work, feelings of ineffectiveness, and diminished accomplishment. Burnout can lead to a decrease in productivity and detachment from job responsibilities, impacting both the leader and the organization.
Unhealthy coping mechanisms and risk factors
Leaders often resort to various coping mechanisms to manage stress and pressure. While some strategies can be healthy, such as exercise or seeking mentorship, others might be harmful, like overworking or substance use. The choice of coping mechanisms can significantly influence a leader's mental health trajectory. Certain factors can increase the risk of mental health issues in leaders. These include a lack of support systems, inability to delegate, perfectionism, and neglect of personal health. Leaders who fail to recognize and address these risk factors may find themselves more susceptible to mental health challenges.
The role of organizational culture in leaders' mental health
The culture of an organization plays a crucial role in shaping a leader's mental health. A culture that promotes long working hours, high stress, and constant availability can exacerbate mental health issues. Conversely, a supportive, empathetic, and open culture can help mitigate these challenges. Different leadership styles can also impact mental health. For instance, a participative leadership style that encourages collaboration and delegation can reduce stress, while an autocratic style may increase it due to a lack of support and feedback.
The intersection of leadership and personal well-being
A leader's well-being is intricately connected to their professional effectiveness. Mental health issues can impair cognitive functions crucial for leadership, such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and communication. Therefore, maintaining personal mental health is not just about personal well-being but also about being an effective leader. Leaders often face stigma around mental health, which can prevent them from seeking help. This stigma is rooted in misconceptions that equate mental health struggles with weakness or incompetence. Breaking this stigma is crucial for leaders to access the support they need.
Famous leaders with mental health disorders
Some historical examples of the most prominent political leaders suffering from mental health issues include Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who was known to have suffered from episodes of depression throughout his life, often described as profound melancholy. There were instances, like following the death of a close friend, where his depression became particularly severe. Another famous leader with chronic mental health issues was Martin Luther King, Jr., a renowned civil rights leader who experienced severe depressive episodes well into his adulthood. Moreover, he had two suicide attempts as an adolescent. Despite his rise to prominence, he faced ongoing mental health challenges, and his staff urged him to seek psychiatric treatment, which he refused. Finally, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the UK during and after World War II, struggled with bipolar disorder. He referred to his depressive episodes as his "black dog," indicating recurrent struggles with mental health throughout his leadership tenure.
What about the CEOs' mental health?
On the other hand, several recent studies reported the critical impact of business uncertainty on CEOs' mental health.th challenges, particularly in the context of economic uncertainties:
A study comparing the mental health of CEOs in Sweden to the general population over 15 years found that CEOs generally have better-than-average mental health in economically stable times. However, during economic uncertainties and crises, the pressure significantly impacts their mental health, with a notable percentage seeking medical help for anxiety, tension, and depression. Research on CEO mortality rates in the US revealed that corporate crises significantly affect personal health and organizational performance. CEOs showed increased mortality rates and accelerated aging when their companies faced crises, causing substantial share price drops. This study underscores the immense stress CEOs endure during economic downturns and corporate crises, impacting their mental and physical health.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for CEOs worldwide, exposing them to new levels of VUCA. The pandemic's impact led to significant levels of disruption and uncertainty, with leaders like Marina Go, former Head of Hearst Australia, noting increased fatigue among organizational leaders. The pandemic highlighted the critical need for CEOs to prioritize self-care, an aspect often neglected in the rush to protect employees and businesses.
In conclusion, the mental health challenges faced by leaders, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, are significant and multifaceted. The case studies of historical and contemporary leaders, along with research findings, illustrate the profound impact that stress, decision-making pressures, and public scrutiny can have on leaders' mental well-being. These challenges not only affect the leaders personally but also have far-reaching consequences on their decision-making abilities, organizational culture, and overall team morale and productivity. It is the corporate priority and duty to acknowledge and address mental health issues among leaders by promoting a culture of support and resilience and prioritizing well-being alongside professional success so their leaders can securely navigate through times of crisis and uncertainty. In our next insightful segment of "Leaders' Mental Health Challenges: Unsettled Minds in Uncertain Times," we'll explore the power of coaching in transforming leaders into role models and champions of mental health in the workplace. You will learn how effective coaching not only aids leaders in managing their mental health challenges but also equips them to become proactive advocates for mental well-being within their organizations. Join me in uncovering the strategies and techniques that enable leaders to set a new standard in fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support.
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Dr. Zoran M Pavlovic, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Zoran M Pavlovic is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, a Certified Rational Emotional Behavioral (REBT) Psychotherapist by the Albert Ellis Institute in New York, and a Certified Coach by the Henley Business School Coaches Center, University of Reading, UK.
Dr. Pavlovic has been a Buddhist meditation practitioner for almost 20 years, and he completed the Mindfulness Tools Course at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts in the United States in 2017. Dr. Pavlovic is a goal-driven, strategically-minded, and enthusiastic coaching professional with vast knowledge of Coaching Neuroscience and a high level of flexibility in working with both corporate and individual coaching clients.
References:
Deloitte. (2023). Well-being and resilience of senior leaders. Deloitte Canada. Available at: https://www2.deloitte.com/ca/en/pages/human-capital/articles/well-being-and-resilience-of-senior-leaders.html
McKinsey & Company. (2023). Present company included: Prioritizing mental health and well-being for all. McKinsey. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/present-company-included-prioritizing-mental-health-and-well-being-for-all
CEO Health and Corporate Governance: A study comparing the mental health of CEOs in Sweden to the general population over a 15-year period. Available at: www.econstor.eu
CEO Stress, Aging, and Death: This research examined CEO mortality rates in the US and the impact of corporate crises on personal health and organizational performance. Available at: papers.ssrn.com
Managing Mental Health of CEOs in Times of Crisis: An analysis of the challenges faced by CEOs during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the experiences of leaders like Marina Go, former Head of Hearst Australia. Available at: www.imd.org
