Feeling overwhelmed as a leader is common, especially when you have multiple responsibilities and high expectations.
When we face challenges in our personal lives, talking about it with partners, friends and family can, for most people, feel natural and useful.
Yet, when it comes to our working relationships, this process of opening-up can result in even more anxiety.
Speak up!
Communicating openly about feeling overwhelmed shows vulnerability and authenticity which will strengthen your leadership ability.
Who?
When you feel overwhelmed, choosing the right person to speak with is important for gaining support, perspective, and practical solutions. Here are some options:
Your manager
They can help adjust your workload, prioritise tasks, or provide resources. They may also offer guidance on how to navigate challenging situations. Be open about your workload and how it’s affecting you. Express that you’re seeking support and solutions, not just venting.
A Trusted Colleague or Peer
Colleagues who understand your work environment may relate to your experiences and offer practical advice or emotional support. Frame it as a mutual support conversation where you can share your challenges and learn from each other’s strategies.
A Mentor or Coach
A mentor or professional coach outside your immediate work team can provide an objective perspective, help you develop coping strategies, and guide you through professional development. Be transparent about what you’re facing and ask for advice on how to manage your workload and stress effectively.
Matt
When you’re ready, there are 3 ways that we can work together
One-to-one coaching and mentoring – If you’re new to L&D and Talent management, or looking to take the next step in developing your career, then email me with the words ‘Talent Leader’ in the subject heading and let’s start the discussion on how we can reach your aspirations.
Leadership development – If you are an HR Director, Chief People Officer, or are responsible for leadership development in your organisation, I would love to share our process for creating the most engaging leadership development programmes on the planet. Email me with ‘Transformational Leadership’ in the subject line.
Aligned Talent – When the time is right, and you’re ready to work together to transform your Talent strategy, let’s set up a 45-minute discovery call to see if my approach is right for you.
