The loneliness of business leaders is a real and often underestimated challenge. As a leader, you are often faced with crucial decisions that rest entirely on your shoulders. Whether they are strategic, financial or human decisions, the weight of the consequences can be heavy and difficult to manage.
An isolated leader may lack perspective on his or her decisions, which increases the likelihood of making strategic mistakes.
This loneliness increases stress and can lead to burnout, thus affecting the ability of leaders to make informed decisions and run the business effectively.
Loneliness can also erode a leader's motivation. Feeling like you are carrying the weight of the company alone can be discouraging.
However, each leader experiences this loneliness differently. Some adapt better to it, resisting on their own, while others put strategies in place to counter it.
Breaking the loneliness of business leaders
Adopting a more open corporate culture reduces stress. Encouraging internal communication, feedback and exchanges at all levels makes decisions more collective even if, ultimately, it is the manager who makes the final decision.
An involved, motivated and consulted management team will support the manager by offering a better analysis of the company's situation and the actions to be considered.
Joining networks of managers is certainly a key complementary solution. Meeting external people facing the same challenges and benefiting from their experiences and advice allows you to discuss topics that are difficult to address with the company's employees, such as pay policy, dismissals, appointments and promotions.
More broadly, attending conferences and seminars broadens your horizons, personal networks and opens your mind to new ideas and trends.
A coach?
Using a coach or mentor can be beneficial. These professionals offer personalised support to help the manager navigate their professional and personal challenges that are often difficult to share with employees and that can impact professional life.
Finally, it is crucial for managers to maintain a balance between professional and personal life. Taking time for personal, family and social activities will help maintain good mental health and strengthen resistance to stress.
Register for our next workshop " les entrepreneurs se rencontrent : entraides et solutions" which will take place on November 14th.
Philippe Gosseries, CEO, Wygo srl