Clients in every meeting we have been running, when given the anonymous opportunity, have been admitting high feelings of anxiety, irritability and overwhelm, as you can see from the poll above in one recent meeting.

Overwhelm, combined with anxiety and video fatigue, creates a space where leaders want help and yet are too tired or often too overwhelmed to reach out. 

In my research focusing on Challenges Women Leaders Face, a key challenge that emerged pre-pandemic is the “Struggle with the Juggle” and this has only escalated in recent months. 

I have written a 3-part series on Managing Overwhelm and am including them here if this is an area that speaks to you:

Managing Overwhelm Part 1: Inside Out Start with You

Managing Overwhelm Part 2: Outside-In Calendar Overhaul

Managing Overwhelm Part 3: How BOLD leaders Are Boosting Their Own Energy

For those of you wanting a headline on what is included in these blogs:

1. Focus on self (inside-out): almost everyone will say when they are overwhelmed, they are not operating as their best selves because self-care is out the window. Read Part 1 if you want to get a better idea of the categories of self care and identify the biggest 1-2 areas that would make the most difference for you.
2. Focus on calendar (outside-in): Do a diagnosis about what your day (and night) really looks like. Chances are, you will see back to back, never-ending meetings with no bio breaks. A useful start can be looking at what you have agreed to and then determining what you need to renegotiate.
3. Focus on asking for what you need (i.e. make requests): You will keep doing what you have been doing until you renegotiate. With your team, your admin, your family, the peer who keeps coming to you for problem-solving, the direct report who consistently needs more time. This likely requires a conversation on the current situation, the impact and the request of how you’d like to operate going forward. Most leaders avoid this third step because it’s often uncomfortable and requires setting boundaries.

Ask Yourself:

• What is the biggest feeling I am grappling with as a human being and as a leader today?

• Where is the biggest challenge/s for me – in my self-care, my calendar management and/or my requests of others?

• If I were to do one thing, what would make the most difference that would positively impact my sense of well-being?

Each of these areas is a key area of focus and not easy to do alone. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect about any of these areas, or to discuss the biggest challenge you are facing today.    

Wishing you good mental, physical, emotional and social health. 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in practice,

Gisele 

If you are interested in exploring whether we are a good fit to help you and your organization, contact us for a complimentary discovery conversation.