In short, yes. Let me explain.
My coaching work with individuals means that I often discuss the science and methods for creating lasting change on a personal level – in my books, in presentations, and in this newsletter. But I also consult with leaders about how they can scale this work via messaging, programming, and initiatives to to foster well-being and sustainable change on an organizational level.
These issues are on my mind right now because I just returned from Washington, D.C., where I spoke to members of the Business Group on Health’s Well-Being and Workforce Strategy Institute. They were particularly interested in the emerging science relevant to these issues and how they can use it as they traverse the new post-COVID workplace landscape.
The intense pressures leaders face can’t be overemphasized, and they certainly need to pay attention to their own well-being to avoid burnout. But equally important (and sometimes under-recognized) is their key role in modeling actions that boost health-and-well-being-boosting and create cultures that can support employee self-care. And here’s where selfless leaders – which sounds like a good thing on the face of it – can inadvertently send the explicit (via communications) or implicit (via their actions) message to employees that skimping on self-care isn’t just okay, but is actually demanded by the organization.
Research suggests that whether out of resentment, payback, or something else, there is a trickle-down effect to leaders’ public display of devaluing healthy choices. For example, working many hours a day and sacrificing sleep goes beyond simply being a leader’s personal preference and cultural norm to becoming a real employee hazard and organizational liability.
To illustrate, I want to share this article that I recently published in Fast Company:
Bryan, the director of family medicine at a progressive health system, heard me speak at a conference about the intersection of clinician and patient self-care and asked me to speak to his team. After the training, Bryan caught my eye and pulled me aside. “I have a confession,” he said quietly. Click to read the rest of the article.
The Joy Choice is out in the world!
Feel free to share this post with others who share your interest in the science-based how-to’s of creating lasting changes that can survive in the real world.
Copyright © Segar, Michelle.