As a leader, pursuing happiness and effectiveness in the role doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. The key lies in distinguishing between what you can control and what you can’t.
Here’s Sarah
Constantly operating in a VUCA world, Sarah was a CEO who always felt under pressure, always felt as if the situation was out of her control, and, honestly, sometimes it was. Over a period of working with Sarah, we recalibrated some of her perceptions about how she worked and her role. As an example, although global trends would affect her business at times, ultimately, she could only acknowledge their importance and recognise that she had limited ability to influence them. Eventually, she decided to direct her energy towards those things she could affect, namely, the team, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary tools to deliver. This strategic pivot strengthened the company’s culture against external uncertainties and facilitated the development of innovative products to secure a competitive edge.
Lessons from Sarah
- Be a Stoic: By embracing Stoic philosophy, she could focus on her thoughts, actions, and reactions. As Marcus Aurelius said, “You have the power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
- Cultivate mindfulness: I remember reading an article in the Harvard Business Review highlighting mindfulness’s importance in leadership. Sarah became present, which helped her manage her emotions and reactions to uncontrollable and unforeseen events.
- Adopt a Growth Mindset: The work of Carol Dweck on a “growth mindset” encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Sarah adopted this approach and felt less overwhelmed when confronted by uncertainty.
- Practice Gratitude: Research from positive psychology suggests that gratitude can significantly impact happiness and satisfaction. Sara regularly acknowledged and appreciated the good in her situation, where she found more joy and less stress.
- Delegate and Trust: According to Forbes, a hallmark of effective leadership is delegating tasks and trusting your team. Sarah focused on what she could control, i.e., her leadership and decision-making, and started trusting others with the rest. She was able to conserve her physical and intellectual energy.
Implementing Control in Your Leadership
To embrace what you can control, you must shift your perspective, as Sarah did.
Regular Reflection: Set aside time to reflect on what aspects of your role and environment you can influence.
Set Clear Goals: Clearly defined goals focusing on personal and team development can help direct your energy toward productive activities.
Communicate Effectively: Transparency helps set expectations and reduces anxiety over uncontrollable outcomes.
Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a team that supports your growth-oriented approach.
Food for Thought
The journey to happiness and effectiveness as a leader is paved with the realisation that while we can’t control everything, our reaction to challenges defines our success. By focusing on the controllable, i.e. our actions, decisions, and attitudes, we can navigate the complexities of leadership with grace and positivity. Leaders like Sarah, who prioritise what they can influence, not only achieve professional success but also enjoy the journey, proving that happiness in leadership is attainable and essential.
These strategies can transform your approach to challenges, leading to a more fulfilled and balanced professional life. Remember, it’s not about the magnitude of your challenges but how you choose to respond to them.
How do leaders find happiness and effectiveness in a world that often feels beyond our control? How do you focus on what you can control in leadership?