Stress, Anxiety, and Leadership: Make Better Decisions, Build Trust

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let stress and anxiety get the best of us. But what happens when we make decisions under these conditions?

In this blog post, we’ll explore how stress and anxiety impact decision-making and how to become a people-centric leader who can make better decisions and build trust.

When we’re stressed or anxious, our brains are physiologically wired to do binary decision-making. This means that we see things in black and white and shut out other options. This is because the amygdala, the emotional control center of the brain, takes over from the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s important to take a pause before making any major decisions. This will give your prefrontal cortex a chance to regain control and help you think more clearly.

Here are a few tips for taking a pause:

• Take a few deep breaths.
• Go for a walk or do some other form of light exercise.
• Listen to calming music.
• Talk to a trusted friend or colleague.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings.

Once you’ve had a chance to calm down, you can start to think more rationally about your decision. Ask yourself clarifying questions and gather as much information as possible. It’s also important to consider all of your options, even if they’re not the most obvious ones.

In addition to taking a pause, it’s also important to self-monitor your stress and anxiety levels. This means being aware of your physical and emotional symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, or feeling overwhelmed. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s important to take steps to manage those emotions.

Here are a few tips for managing stress and anxiety:

• Get regular exercise.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Talk to a therapist or counselor.

As a leader, it’s also important to be mindful of how stress and anxiety can impact your decision-making. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s important to be transparent with your team and ask for their help.

Here are a few tips for being a people-centric leader:

• Build trust with your team members.
• Be humble and empathetic.
• Be open to feedback and new ideas.
• Empower your team members to make decisions.
• Celebrate successes together.

Leadership is not about being a hero, it’s about being a human. By taking care of yourself and building a strong team, you can make better decisions and lead with confidence.