Leadership is demanding and often stressful, leading to burnout and mistakes. Managing this stress is crucial for effective leadership. In this article, we’ll explore a principle of a five-step process Jim has developed that can teach you how to deal with leadership stress. Read on to discover how you can turn stress from a hindrance into a catalyst for growth and productivity.
How to Deal with Leadership Stress
“Gosh, right now my jokes are funny and I’m the best looking guy in the world, but I know as soon as I lose, all that will change.”
This quote came from a man who was recently granted the position of head football coach for a major NCAA football team. If you’ve been in leadership for any length of time, you either grinned or shook your head in agreement. You know leadership is demanding.
Leadership is demanding and oftentimes stressful. As a result, leaders burn out. Their behavior becomes less predictable. They begin making more mistakes. Some are actions unbecoming for a leader. Some mistakes are due to a lack of action. They stop taking care of their own person – mind, body, and soul. After a while, they find themselves in a really bad place. Bad habits, irritation, confusion, and truckloads of stress.
Yep. I can relate. Through the years, I have created and adopted a five-step process for shaping leadership within myself and those I have the privilege to serve. The five steps follow the acrostic SHAPE. The “P” in the acrostic represents the Path Principle: Purpose, Planning, and Practice. Learning and applying this principle greatly reduces stress while increasing leadership performance.
The Path Principle was birthed out of a biblical proverb:
“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday” (Pr. 4.18).
The Path Principle:
Purpose: Know your purpose and the purpose of your organization. I believe the best purpose statements will center around two words: an “ing” action word and an objective word. For example, my life purpose is to serve by Shaping Character in the lives of leaders and organizations. The “ing” tells me that shaping is what I’m constantly doing. Shaping what? Shaping the total “character” of the person to become who they were created to be. This purpose helps me align my activities with my mind.
Planning: Too many of us allow the circumstances and priorities of others to direct our day and ultimately, our life’s path. This is highly unproductive and most often off course from our chosen direction and purpose. The other common mistake we make as leaders is that we have too many goals. Yes, that’s right. Too many goals. If all your goals are of the highest importance, then none of them are important. In our training, we teach the concepts of One Purpose, One Goal, and One Focus.
Practice: Like the game of golf, too little practice leads to poor decisions (bad shots), wasted resources (lost balls), and double bogey performance (bad score). Leadership requires a clear purpose, effective planning, and relentless practice.
I know this article does not do justice explaining how each of these Path Principles works in daily life, not to mention, the entire SHAPE process but please know that we at Lead Today are dedicated to walking alongside those who desire to walk the right path.
Explore More Content:
Feeling the pressure of leadership? Learn how to deal with leadership stress and prioritize your mental health! Check out these related podcast episodes and blog posts.
- Epi 9: Hope for Depression: Recognizing & Addressing Mental Health Issues
- Seasons of Uncertainty – Dealing with Anxiety
- Epi 87: Are You Emotionally Spent – Personal & Leadership Growth
Access these episodes and more on our podcast page or read more content on our blogs page now.
Together, we can invest in great leaders. You can make a difference! 💙
Thank you for reading our Monday Moments! If this was helpful, share this with a friend!
Ready to become a better communicator and build your character?
Join the Lead Today Community to get more info.
We deliver free leadership training through The Today Counts Show podcast.
🎧 Listen/Watch on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple | Youtube | Lead Today Website
Get a copy of Jim’s new book Story: The Art Of Learning From Your Past
Here are FREE gifts for you!
- Get The First Seven Pages of STORY For FREE!
- Learn to stop losing and start achieving in your area of influence with this exclusive eBook. >>> Click here to get your free bundle.
Have you seen our YouTube Channel? We are releasing more content to help you grow. Come check out our latest videos, and while you’re there, please like the video and subscribe.
👍 Follow us on Social Media for more content
- Like our Facebook page
- Follow us on Instagram: @leadtodaycommunity | @jimpiper_jr
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
- Connect with us on LinkedIn
- Join our Facebook Group | LinkedIn Group
Need a Keynote Speaker for your next team meeting, community gathering, or training session? I’d love to speak to your group (in person or virtual)! Contact me to discuss your specific needs and desired outcomes. BOOK JIM NOW
🎙️ Interested in becoming our next podcast guest? Send us an email: jim@leadtodaycommunity.com
👕 Spread encouragement and support with our Lead Today Hebrews 3:13 shirt. Order yours now
You may further support our mission through donation and by purchase of our books and merchandise.
The Lead Today Community exists to raise up moral and effective leaders in every sector of society.
