In a 2025 survey by Modern Health, 77% of managers reported that their role was more challenging than it’s ever been. Similarly, data from a global 2024 Gallup poll reported that, employee engagement is down for the first time since the pandemic. An increase in business and economic uncertainty is likely a contributing factor to both, as these things always fuel stress with everyone. Creating a sense of connection and helping promote balance is more important than ever in times like this and it’s a great way to help your team feel more secure. As a business owner, it’s equally important to recognize stress in yourself and take steps to fill your own cup. Here are 3 tips to help re-charge your leadership strategy for the benefit of your team and your business:
1. Figure out what re-charges you and commit to make time for it.
Leading is challenging under the best of circumstances. And when times are tougher, it’s even more exhausting. One of the biggest pitfalls leaders often make is a failure to rest and refuel. But to do that effectively, you have to know what refuels you—and it’s different for everyone. Think about things that calm your mind, give you energy, and inspire you. Acknowledge your emotions without guilt but learn how to detach from them. Talk openly with the rest of your leadership team about the importance of making time for these things too. Smart, stable leaders and managers know how (and when) to fill their own cup. And it’s in everyone’s best interest for you to do that.
2. Create opportunities for your team to connect AND disconnect.
Play is a great way to alleviate stress and promote collaboration and bonding, so think of ways you can help lighten the mood and have a little fun after a challenging work week. Hosting team events or culture building activities are great ways to drive engagement and strengthen team bonds. An unexpected break to play a game or bring in a treat for everyone is a great way to shift the energy and give people a quick way to re-charge and refocus their energy. But remember…as great as connection and bonding activities are, they are not a substitute for time off. Creating a culture that supports time off and sees the benefits of it is one of the smartest leadership strategies you can incorporate into your business.
3. Regularly Celebrate Your Wins
As a leader, your mood is more contagious than you might realize, and the power of positivity is real. Praising more than criticizing is not just an effective leadership strategy – it’s an effective relationship strategy all around. Call out your wins more than your losses and recognize your team’s successes more than their mistakes. Whenever you can find something positive to talk about – share it, and ask your leadership team to do the same. In meetings, give your team a dopamine boost by reminding everyone what they do well and how the results of their work are making a difference. Anytime there are new ideas, projects, and opportunities that are a win for the company, share them. So often we fall into a habit of calling a meeting to talk about a problem or an upcoming change. Shift the perception that a meeting or an email from you means a problem or a “scary” announcement.
Have an HR or people question? Reach out to us by phone if you want to speak to a human, or by email or webchat if you want to start a virtual conversation. We love helping growing companies thrive and we’d love to hear from you!
