How to keep your sanity as CEO: 10 essential tips for thriving under pressure

Whether you’re new to being CEO or a seasoned business professional in search of fresh ideas, these practical strategies can help you navigate the challenges you face.

1. Get on the balcony

One of the most crucial strategies for a CEO is mastering the balance between being “on the dance floor” and stepping onto the “balcony”. On the dance floor, leaders are deeply involved in the day-to-day operations within their teams. However, stepping away from the action onto the balcony for a breather provides broader perspective, allowing them to see the bigger picture. This dual approach helps to effectively manage immediate tasks whilst also planning strategically for the future. By creating physical time and mental space to reflect, leaders can navigate challenges, whether they stem from business pressures, team dynamics or competitive threats.

2. Get clear on your vision

A compelling vision is the guiding star for any CEO – and this vision should encompass, not only business goals, but also personal aspirations and life purpose. When leadership becomes challenging, a clear vision serves as a reminder of the bigger picture, motivating leaders to push through difficult situations. As such, it’s essential for CEOs to align their business objectives with their personal values and long-term goals to maintain motivation and resilience.

3. Find partners you can align with

Leadership can nonetheless be isolating. Aligning with partners can help to alleviate this solitude, whether these are internal team members or external allies from other fields. For instance, in a large corporation, finding someone in a similar role in another region can provide valuable understanding, insights and support. Sharing ideas and perspectives with trusted partners helps in tackling challenges, whilst pushing things forward.

4. Give the work back

Effective delegation is also key. CEOs must resist the urge to take on every problem themselves, recognising that they too need help. As such, they should empower their teams to seize opportunities and address challenges, distributing the workload to take pressures off them. This also fosters a culture of collective responsibility and innovation within the business, likely soliciting better results. By giving the work back, leaders can focus on strategic oversight rather than getting bogged down by operational details, too, allowing for improved efficiency and decisions with greater insight.

5. Manage the pace of change

The pace at which changes are implemented can significantly impact both the team and the leader. Whilst it’s essential to drive progress, moving too quickly can lead to burnout and resistance. Pushing for rapid change can often backfire and leaders must aim for a balanced pace that allows for thorough implementation and team buy-in, whilst leaders manage their own stress levels.

6. Hold steady when under fire

CEOs often face criticism and pressure, both publicly and internally. It’s crucial to hold steady and stay true to the vision during these times. Maintaining composure and resilience helps to make tough decisions and lead with integrity, whilst keeping a clear vision and not losing nerve allows leaders to navigate through the most difficult of periods.

7. Manage your own hungers

Seld-awareness is vital for any leader. CEOs must manage their desires for power, control and affirmation to avoid letting their egos interfere with their leadership. It’s important to trust and empower the team instead of trying to control everything and recognising your own “hungers” for power and control can lead to healthier leadership practices.

8. Differentiate between you and your role

Being able to separate your own identity from your role is likewise essential. What you do is not the same as who you are and this differentiation prevents the pitfalls of over-identifying with your position, serving to maintain a healthy self-image. Sometimes, leaders have to make difficult decisions that can weigh heavy on their minds, so having a distinction and viewing leadership roles as temporary custodianships rather than permanent identities can help to maintain peace of mind. It’s a more balanced perspective that also prepares those in charge for eventual transitions – another thing it’s vital to be mentally prepared for.

9. Keep confidants

Having people you trust outside your organisation provides a safe space to discuss challenges more openly. These confidants can offer grounded feedback and emotional support – a side to running a business that’s often overlooked until overwhelm gets too much. Unlike allies who may have their own agendas, confidants are neutral and allow CEOs to gain balanced perspective. Plus, everyone needs reliable support systems that are there for them as individuals as well as to oversee business outcomes.

10. Seek sanctuary

Finally, finding sanctuary is essential for maintaining wellbeing. This can be a physical place, an activity or a mental space where leaders can recharge. Whether it’s a quiet room at home, a favourite walking trail or a hobby, having a sanctuary allows leaders to rejuvenate and maintain their energy levels. Regularly seeking sanctuary as part of a routine ensures CEOs sustain their focus and resilience over the long-term, too.

The perfect balance

By balancing operational involvement with strategic oversight, managing their personal wants and ensuring self-care, leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles with greater ease, support and effectiveness.

For further resources and support, explore the Brave Bold Brilliant website, where you will find tools and programmes tailored to your unique leadership journey.

By Jeannette Linfoot www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com