Thriving or Surviving?
A few months ago I read a brilliant FT article which I felt accurately demonstrates the challenges of our modern day managers.
Middle managers — on the new front line of office life
If you are a subscriber, take a moment to read this interesting article which addresses the immense pressure on managers, particularly during the pandemic; motivating staff, maintaining company culture and other intense demands as managers juggle the expectations of employees and senior leaders.
“Managers are not only responsible for driving business results. They’re on the front lines with their teams, supporting their emotional and psychological wellbeing, keeping company culture alive and navigating the challenges of ‘work from anywhere’.
The Importance of Managers
The functionality of a business operating successfully comes down to our management teams; This incredible layer of people who get fully stuck in with the day to day and making ‘stuff’ happen, yet also have to be influential enough to assert leadership presence.
In my business, I work extensively with Finance people at this level, Finance Managers, Financial Controllers, FP&A managers and this is the pattern I am witnessing; They are burning out!
They are burning out so badly that they are looking for a WAY OUT.
Which way to go?
Although they are already Leaders, in terms of their responsibilities and ability to impact, they are struggling with the pressure at both ends of the spectrum; from their team and from their leaders. They are battling to find their voices to assert their needs and that of their teams. Yet they also fully understand the needs of their business and desperately want to make it ALL happen.
When they finally reach out for coaching, they have often had enough. They are often ready to walk out on their roles. Their wellbeing is entirely at risk.
How can we Avoid this Impact?
How can we protect our most valuable assets?
Let’s invest in our managers. Let’s show them that we value them, their efforts, their dedication. Let’s understand that they may have the technical skills already, but its only right that their Leadership skills need some attention and support.
Leadership Coaching exists for this reason. It is a support available to accelerate the impact, performance AND wellbeing of managers. It will allow them to thrive, develop in their careers and actually enjoy their work.
Our BOLD Leadership Programmes serve this purpose and our clients are getting incredible results.
Work on Your Emotional Intelligence Levels
I recently worked on emotional intelligence levels with a CEO who now uses these skills to bring out the best in their management team. Sure there are still challenges and problems in their path, but instead of being daunted by them, they are able to spot the tell-tale signs of problems early and ask the right questions of themselves so they can problem solve and move forward.
Emotional intelligence is a skill set that includes the ability to understand and manage your behaviour, thoughts and emotions, as well as the ability to interact skillfully and compassionately with others. This CEO learned that high levels of EQ create a climate in which information sharing, trust and learning flourish. High levels of EQ reduce a climate of fear and anxiety which is all to prevalent in both our working and our personal lives.
Ready to Make the Next Step?
When it comes to managing challenges with others, emotionally intelligent teams can embrace and learn from the difficult emotions that might arise during conflict. Teams that have strengthened self-awareness and self-management skills have a greater ability to notice what they are feeling and express it in a healthy way.
If you are interested in finding out more via a complimentary consultation either for yourself OR for your teams, then do reach out on my contact page.
