Director of Learning and Organizational Development at Minto Group

Yin Trinh

Leadership is a teeter-totter experience; one moment, you're feeling high when the team is celebrating a win, and the next moment, you're going down as you're getting ready to have that performance discussion you've been dreading. But what happens when you spend too much time at the bottom, and you're feeling low? That's a sign that you've lost your balance. Staying on top of things all the time is draining, so I’ve learned to embrace the following thoughts to help keep me on a healthier path than I once was heading: There is always tomorrow, choose joy, spot the wins, and be kind to yourself.

Logically, we know there is always tomorrow, yet some leaders work like there isn’t. Sure, there are moments in our jobs where we need to endure longer hours than normal, but doing this on an ongoing basis where you become sleep-deprived isn't the answer. Keep a list of to-do's and don’t realistically think you’ll hit them all, but checking off a few does the body good. Realize that you are valuable, not based on the effort you put forth in a 24-hour day but rather on the results you produce by working smarter, not harder. Plus, everyone needs a break, so taking the time away from focusing on work-related stuff can sometimes replenish those brain cells to get you going the next day. Don't worry, you're not missing much as the work will still be there waiting for you.

"Leaders have it hard; trying to strike the right balance of staying positive while being effective and achieving results is incredibly challenging."

Like everyone, leaders have a choice. They can lead with a stern face, a commanding tone and take things too seriously, or you can choose joy. It makes me happy when others feel like their presence matters, their voice is heard, and humor is part of the work. I wear a smile, not because I need to, but because I want to. The world is already full of many sad, dreadful news and serious challenges, so why not stay blessed and grateful for the beauty you have the power to create and lead by example? Try to list two things that made you smile that day before going to bed, and trust me, you’ll get that high feeling!

There is something truthful behind the statement of being able to see what you're looking for. For any given day, if you're expecting bad luck, you'll be able to spot and even rant about all that isn't going well. We attract negative energy when we give out negative energy. Have you ever wondered why, when one person starts venting, it almost permits the next one to join in? Alternatively, this takes work, but learn to spot the small wins. Ask yourself, what actually went well today? Maybe it wasn't perfect, but progress is still a win, so celebrate those significant moments every chance you get.

Lastly, this is my favorite one: be kind to yourself. Repeat after me, 'You are not perfect,' and no one expects you to be. Maybe you had an off day, overreacted, or made the wrong decision. You can sit there and continue to have all these negative thoughts floating around inside that head of yours about what you would have changed, or you can choose to do better next time. In fact, if you're brave enough, tell somebody what this experience has taught you because leading with vulnerability shows a strong individual, contrary to what some would believe. We all make mistakes. Don't wait for someone to pick you up after a fall. Own your missteps and be confident to walk again.

Leaders have it hard; trying to strike the right balance of staying positive while being effective and achieving results is incredibly challenging. All leaders will experience their highs and lows on any given day, but if you try some of these techniques, you may find yourself feeling closer to the top. Remember, you've invested so much to support your team; never lose your balance by putting so much weight on your shoulders. This will lead you to a sudden drop that’s harder to get you out of. Stay healthy, happy and always learning.