Despite the dedication we put into our businesses and careers, we all have personal lives that come first. We have families – kids, spouses, parents, siblings – and life-giving friendships and communities. These relationships are truly what help us thrive as human beings, and it is inevitable that at some point our personal lives will impact how we are running our businesses. There will be trials in these relationships, whether brought on by spousal challenges, the stress that comes with raising kids, illness, addiction, aging parents and more.
Fear, anger, hurt, pain, frustration – these dynamics take an emotional toll and are difficult to hide. All of the heaviness can bleed out onto how we interact with people day-to-day, and ultimately how we lead. The last thing you want is to put your business in jeopardy by taking out your frustrations on customers, employees, suppliers and other key stakeholders.
Find a Confidant
As a human being first and a leader second, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that you are being vulnerable and transparent about what you are going through with someone. It isn’t healthy to keep it locked up inside. Find a trusted advisor, counselor, friend or appropriate family member who will listen with no judgement.
Going through many personal trials myself as a business leader (even in the present moment) I enjoy coaching people through their own tough seasons and supporting them, their families and their businesses. Often this means simply listening and providing them a safe place to cry (yes men and women cry) in a coaching session or board meeting. Mentoring sessions and advisory boards with TAB are both great resources for business leaders who are in need of a confidant. You will meet people in similar positions and places in life who can aid you on your journey and support you in leading when life gets in the way.
Take Time for Rest
Another way to help deal with the noise in your personal life is to do something physical or spiritual – workout, go for a walk or a hike, ride a bike. If you like to fish, go fishing. Are you a motorcycle person? If so, go for a ride. Do yoga, meditate, journal, read books. You get the idea. Do something that allows the much-needed time for mental clarity and refreshment. Allow yourself to rest in an intentional way.
Why is this important and helpful? If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others – in your personal life or in business.
The personal situations we experience in life weigh on us. Be open, honest and transparent about what you are facing. Seek support and take time to reset. Ultimately, things will sort themselves out, but during the process it is okay to be human. Let others know that the distractions are inevitable, that you are doing your best and that you value all of their efforts.
By Blair Koch
