EP147: Leading Yourself and Others Through Distracting Times
HIGH-STRESS EVENTS…
…they are inevitable. These are times to really level-up your leadership!
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
Part of life are the big global and local events that can bring waves of stress, distraction, and even uncertainty into the workplace. Leaders may find themselves walking a fine line, balancing team expectations with the very real emotions their people bring to work. In times like these, effective leadership requires a focus on empathy and emotional intelligence.
It’s well worth our time to explore how leaders can navigate this season while supporting both their teams' well-being and the productivity that drives our goals. Below, I’ve shared some key insights to help leaders foster a supportive yet productive environment during challenging times.
1. Acknowledge the Human Side of Leadership
The impact of big events doesn’t stop at our front doors; it follows us into the workplace. Leaders who recognize and validate their team members' feelings create an environment of trust and empathy. This isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about understanding that team members may be affected by what's happening around them and may need additional support.
Consider starting team meetings with a check-in, inviting team members to share how they're doing, or simply acknowledging that heightened emotions may be in play. Small gestures can go a long way in building connection and trust.
2. Practice Emotional Intelligence
As leaders, our self-awareness can shape the emotional tone of our teams. When we’re in tune with our own feelings and aware of how events like elections impact our mindset, it’s easier to approach others with understanding. Practicing emotional intelligence means checking in with ourselves, especially during stressful weeks, and modeling healthy ways to manage stress.
This could be as simple as sharing a grounding technique or encouraging breaks when the team needs them. It’s about creating space for everyone—including ourselves—to manage stress proactively, which strengthens team resilience over time.
3. Balance Compassion with Accountability
One common misconception is that empathy in leadership means sacrificing productivity. In reality, leading with compassion actually boosts morale and, ultimately, productivity. Balancing understanding with accountability means setting realistic expectations and, if needed, collaborating on ways to meet those goals with flexibility.
For example, you might set priorities with the team’s input, focusing on what's essential and allowing for adjustments based on workload or emotional bandwidth. By acknowledging these factors, leaders can inspire commitment without overburdening their people.
4. Create a Safe and Inclusive Space
When emotions run high, psychological safety becomes even more important. Leaders can cultivate this by creating a non-judgmental space where everyone feels they can share, ask for support, and express themselves without fear of negative consequences. This could mean one-on-one check-ins or setting up informal group discussions to address what’s on people’s minds.
A safe space allows teams to bring their full selves to work, making it easier to process emotions and stay focused on goals. When team members know they are supported, it’s easier for them to feel a sense of belonging and remain engaged.
5. Encourage Self-Care—For Your Team and Yourself
In stressful times, self-care is often one of the first things to slip. Leaders can help by actively encouraging breaks, mindful practices, and other forms of self-care that help their teams recharge. Sometimes, the best way to lead is by example: demonstrate healthy habits by sharing your own self-care practices, whether it’s a short walk, a quiet moment to reset, or an end-of-day reflection.
When leaders prioritize self-care, they set a powerful example for their teams, promoting a culture that values well-being along with productivity.
Closing Thoughts: Leading with Heart in High-Stress Times
As leaders, we’re not expected to have all the answers, especially during high-stress times. However, we can create a culture of respect, flexibility, and compassion that supports our teams' well-being while guiding them through distractions. Election week or otherwise, leadership that acknowledges the whole human creates a stronger, more resilient organization.
What Do You Think?
How do you best lead yourself and others during challenging times?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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