Sometimes there are definitive periods of intense activity at work that we need to lead ourselves and our team through. I’m talking about the likes of audits, reviews, restructures, installing new software systems. These are times where you know its going to be intense, tough, challenging, for a defined period (I’m not talking about end on end intensity here, that’ll be the subject of another blog).
When it’s your job to lead, how do you work your way through these periods of intensity (or fire) without getting burned?
I like to think of this leadership challenge in three parts, what do I need the work to be like? What do I need my life to be like? And how do I (self) get through without burning out?
As the ‘work’ is the burning platform in this exercise, let’s start with how we can set that up to make this ‘no harm’ journey possible. Firstly, this is a time to be as organised as possible. That means time spent planning and sorting, being clear about priorities and about the main focus. What’s the vision and the goal you need to hold on to? What timeframe are you doing this in? Where’s the risk hiding? What’s likely to throw you off track? Secondly, make sure you have the right team around you. What skills are needed to get this job done? who are the right people to get involved? What are the resilience levels like? Have you compensated for your own weaknesses? And, lastly, set the platform for high quality communication. That means: communicate frequently, talk and listen in equal measure, engage in frequent informal communication, and explore for ideas and information outside the group. (ref: Harvard Business Review, The New Science of Building Great Teams).
Now, if the work was all we had to focus on then maybe a period of intensity would be relatively simple?! We all know that life itself (as in family, relationships, households, financial pressures etc) can really get in the way and that we can easily be blindsided if we put everything we have into the work tank and ignore the rest. How do you prevent life getting in the way? Well, it’s not a guaranteed solution but there are things you can do. First of all, call on the support of those closest to you. Explain to your family and friends that this work period is going to be intense and ask for their support AND remember to take the support when its offered!!! Be realistic about the demands of the task ahead of you, let go of what’s not serving you, ask yourself ‘what will I stop doing in order to get this done?’. Lastly, be organised. Plan ahead, cook meals in batches, plan your wardrobe a ahead of time, get some help with the household activities and learn to say no to anything outside your plan. Remember this is for a defined period!
The last part of the solution is about you and your own well-being. How do you intend to allow yourself the self-care you need during this time of intense activity? In my experience, riding these periods of intensity is helped greatly if 1. I focus on mindfulness and letting go. That’s means being full-on for blocks of 60-90 minutes max. then taking a built in a break- get outside and enjoy the outdoors, play some good music or share a laugh with friends. Whatever it takes for you to switch off and let your mind relax. 2. Prioritise time for exercise, it’s a proven stress reliever and will help you sleep. My preference is walking (because it’s easy to access- a change of shoes and a jacket is all you need!) and yoga (because that builds in the mind control and the relaxation). 3. Take a hard look at your diet and alcohol intake, making the right decisions about what fuels your body can make a significant difference to how our body response to the stress you’re under. I have a former colleague who regularly ‘gave up alcohol’ when managing significant change in her workplace. This gave her the extra energy and an appropriately clear head for making great decisions.
Don’t forget that periods if intensity in our lives are wonderful opportunities for growth, they are what shapes us and prepares us for future challenges. They are times of great input and of great reward. Give yourself the best chance of riding them through without being burned.
What matters most is how well you walk through the fire – Charles Bukowski