The mental load is the invisible weight that we carry every day, this accumulation of responsibilities which, over time, becomes constant fatigue. And very often, in the professional world, we talk about the mental load of employees, but what about leaders?
Too often, pressure from leaders is ignored, left silent as if it doesn't exist. Yet, the reality is that leaders feel this pressure too, sometimes much more than they admit.
Sources of mental load for leaders: Leaders juggle a multitude of tasks and responsibilities: team management, strategic decision-making, risk anticipation, not to mention their own personal development. They are often perceived as strong and infallible figures, which makes it even more difficult to express their own stress. This need to maintain an image of solidity adds a layer of complexity that weighs down their daily lives.
Why does this subject remain a taboo?The mental load of leaders often remains a taboo subject, because they are expected to be resilient, capable of "managing everything". In a culture that values performance and productivity, admitting a form of vulnerability is perceived as a sign of weakness. Additionally, leaders may fear that their teams will lose confidence if they admit to difficulties.
Some ways to relieve the pressure:
Learn to delegate effectively: A leader doesn't have to do everything. Knowing how to delegate certain tasks allows you to focus on the most crucial decisions.
Take a step back regularly: Incorporating breaks to recharge your batteries is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Express challenges: Leaders can benefit from expressing their own challenges, whether in peer groups or with a coach.
The mental load of leaders is not a sign of weakness, but a real aspect of the role of a leader. By addressing this topic openly, we enable leaders to find balance and redefine the way they lead. Because being a leader also means knowing how to preserve yourself in order to be able to inspire others.
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