The Pivotal Role of Leadership in Shaping Team Well-being

Leaders today are not just steering organizational goals, but also navigating the intricate dynamics of team well-being. Given the intense scrutiny they are under, it’s essential for leaders to recognize their profound influence on their teams’ mental health. Surprisingly, as revealed by a global poll by The Workforce Institute, 69% of respondents opined that their managers affected their mental health more deeply than healthcare professionals or even personal relationships.

Navigating this influence requires intentionality. Let’s explore five ways leaders might inadvertently undercut their teams’ well-being and the corrective measures they can take:

The Disconnect of Being Absent
Oracle’s study sheds light on the importance of leader visibility in fostering trust and better performance. Simply being present—answering queries, acknowledging efforts, and maintaining open channels of communication—can fortify team cohesion. It’s not just about being physically available, but emotionally and mentally present as well.

Overlooking the ‘Why’ and ‘Thank You’
Every individual yearns to understand the purpose behind their tasks and to be acknowledged for their contributions. Leaders must ensure that their teams understand the broader impact of their roles and should not shy away from expressing gratitude, which can invigorate team spirit and commitment.

The Paradox of Overprotection
While leaders might believe that shielding their teams from challenges maintains happiness, it can often result in stagnation and lack of purpose. Encouraging autonomy, setting clear but stretch goals, and offering room for innovative problem-solving can actually boost morale and satisfaction.

Not Building Team Synergy
A team is not just a sum of its parts. It’s the relationships, the shared experiences, and the collective goals that truly bind members together. Leaders should strive for more than just managing individual team members; they should be catalysts in fostering inter-team relationships and collaborations, laying the groundwork for a more unified and supportive environment.

Guarding Information Excessively
Withholding information, even with the best of intentions, can breed distrust and unease. By ensuring transparent communication—sharing the highs, the lows, and the uncertainties—leaders can instill a culture of trust and inclusivity.

However, the discourse on well-being shouldn’t stop at the team level. Leaders, too, are vulnerable, with 35% reporting work-related stress as per the Workforce Institute’s findings. A significant chunk of this stress, 42% to be precise, is self-imposed. For the sake of their own well-being and to set a positive example, leaders must learn to balance responsibilities, delegate when needed, and prioritize self-care.

In sum, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. By being attuned to their teams’ needs and their own, leaders can create environments where happiness isn’t just an aspiration but a lived experience.

This article was initially generated by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and subsequently reviewed and refined by a human for accuracy and clarity.

Source : https://www.fastcompany.com/90933494/5-mistakes-leaders-make-that-sabotage-their-teams-happiness