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The Champion Forum Podcast

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Jeff Hancher

TCFP230: Managing the Heaviness of Leadership

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Have you ever asked yourself, “Is all this pressure really worth it?” The responsibility of making difficult decisions and inspiring others during uncertain times can feel overwhelming. However, adding a few simple reflective practices to your daily routine can help you maintain a positive perspective. In this episode, we will discuss a topic that often goes unspoken—the heaviness of leadership and the perspective needed to manage it.


Leaders are often caught in the crossfire of expectations, battling self-doubt, and grappling with the constant pressure to perform. They recognize that leadership is a great responsibility, but they’re not sure how to manage the tension they feel. I’ve been there too! In fact, the heaviness you feel is a normal part of leadership; it is a testament to the importance of your role and the potential you have to make a difference.


Shifting your mindset will allow you to transform the weight from a burden into an opportunity. By reframing your leadership challenges, you can view them as opportunities to demonstrate courage, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. Here are a few strategies to help you cultivate perspective.


How to Cultivate and Maintain Your Leadership Perspective


Reflection and Self-Awareness:

Take time for self-reflection to understand your values, motivations, and strengths. Reflect on your purpose and the impact you want to make. This self-awareness will provide a solid foundation for developing perspective and reveal any blind spots or areas where you may be prone to under or overreact.


Seek Different Perspectives:

Reach out to mentors, coaches, or trusted peers who can offer fresh viewpoints. Seek honest conversations that offer diverse opinions and experiences. Expanding your understanding will help you see challenges differently.


Practice Gratitude:

Shift your focus towards gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of your leadership journey. Celebrate small wins and recognize the progress you and your team have made. A regular gratitude practice will keep you from overlooking what is going well.


Learn From Adversity:

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in leadership. Instead of viewing them as burdens, reframe them as opportunities for growth. Adversity is a chance to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.


Step Back and Gain Distance:

When feeling overwhelmed, take a step back from the immediate situation. Gain some distance by disconnecting. When you return, it will be easier to see the pigger picture.


Remember, perspective is a continuous practice. It requires constant effort and self-reflection. By cultivating perspective, you can navigate the heaviness of leadership with greater clarity, resilience, and a sense of purpose.


Application Activities:

  1. Add one of these practices to your daily routine. For example, take a few moments to write in a gratitude journal at the end of the day. Reframing your challenges and looking for the value in your circumstances can help you relax before you go home and prevent you from carrying negativity home with you and thinking about it on it all night. If your schedule does not allow for journaling before you go home, try doing the same practice in your car before you head into the office. Journaling before you get to the office will ensure no one interrupts you.

  2. When is your next trip? Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a vacation has to be a week-long retreat! Even a 3-day weekend can be a great way to relax and refresh yourself. Make sure that you have a personal retreat at least once a quarter. Regular vacations will give you time to step away from your day-to-day challenges and find perspective and rest. If you are particularly stressed or burnt out, I will challenge you to get away as soon as you can; preferably within the next two weeks.


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