Earlier this week our team gathered around in the office to watch Simone Biles nail her floor routine. It was simply amazing and reminds me of the greatness that happens when you’re in your flow. It also reminds me of how a leader’s words and actions can make an immense difference – for the best, and unfortunately, for the worst.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles withdrew from the women’s all-around final to focus on her mental health. The decision sparked some controversy, but was overwhelmingly supported by athletes, coaches, and popular opinion. Her courage to withdraw and to speak out on mental health is one of the reasons she is a role model to so many. Simone’s success is a beautiful lesson in the power of knowing when to stop, breathe, rest, and listen – to our bodies, minds, and spirits.
As a leader, are you supportive of your team when they need this space? Do you go a step further and *encourage* your employees to refresh and restore? Do they feel safe to take steps to do this? Frankly, do you see and treat them as human or a machine? Do you lead by example?
Forbes recently reported that “for almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or their doctor—and it’s equal to the impact of their partner.”
I know this to be true and the likelihood is that your entire team does too. What are some steps you can take today to not only celebrate the wins but also to celebrate courageous leadership and the human experience within your teams?
This post was contributed by Katie Hannah, Momentum’s Director of Development.
