When the Weight of Every Decision Falls on You

There is a genuine emotional toll you face when you know you are the ultimate decision maker. I know because I have been there.

I wasn't always a coach, I have had some serious leadership positions in national and international organisations. Positions where the buck stopped with me.

And so I know that pressure. I know how it feels to have that nervous energy in my chest. To be smiling on the outside but feeling desperate on the inside. To know that everyone expects me to have the answers, when I can't think straight.

I rarely hear my executive coaching clients say directly that they feel this weight. Rather they say they are worried about burnout, lack resilience, can't make decisions or are neglecting their wellbeing.

When I work with teams and the leader is struggling, the people will say their boss is tunnel visioned, not allowing the team to grow and morale is low.

It's a cliché, but it is lonely at the top. There is an emotional toll to it. But, with the right team and personal strategies, you can make it better.

There are two crucial things that I would advise anyone who feels this way:

1. Make sure you get peer support. That might be from a coach, a mentor or a peer network group. Once you reach out, the loneliness goes away, you can get expert advice, and you can think more clearly.
2. Find ways to stop carrying the team alone. If you can get team members to make decisions at the right level, meet more effectively and take responsibility, you will be in a very different position.

I have written a guide that helps people with this, it's called The CEO's Guide to Self-Managing Teams. If you want a free copy, just ask.

I also train leaders and teams on self-management and how to do it. Usually in a series of half-day workshops. I'm currently booked up until late February, but if you'd like to find out more and reserve a slot for your team, get in touch.

Have a great day, Stephen

Every Friday, I teach leadership topics to all of my clients. This Friday the subject is "Finding Wisdom in a Group - Team Innovation."

You can join them too. Book your place here.