A Strategic Tale of Self-Care

Author: Natalie Potter

In the dynamic landscape of the public sector, leaders often find themselves navigating through rapid changes, new projects, and organizational transformations. Amidst these challenges, it is important for leaders to not only support their teams but also prioritize their own well-being. As I look at the season I am in within Human Resources, I have come to realize the importance of shifting from traditional notions of work/life balance to a more strategic approach centered around stress management and self-care. Often, we are the last ones to think about ourselves. I was not thinking of my health but needed to, for my team and ultimately for myself. I needed to emphasize the importance of being a servant leader, fostering a creative culture, and driving innovation while supporting personal well-being. This tale explores my journey towards strategically prioritizing myself to be a strength-based leader.

The public sector experiences legislative updates and policy shifts, needing adaptability and perseverance. These transitions often bring heightened levels of stress and can adversely affect leadership effectiveness. It is crucial for organizations to acknowledge the impact of stress on employees’ mental and physical health and develop strategies to manage it effectively. In my current professional career, I realized I needed to pivot because I was not embodying the person I aspired to be. I yearned to feel energized, embrace challenges, radiate happiness, and confidently voice my thoughts. I wanted to be unafraid to take calculated risks, leveraging my capabilities to their fullest extent. Equally important, I desired to genuinely celebrate the successes of others. However, I found myself hindered by an entrenched longstanding mentality prevailing within the organization. To move on from this it entailed embracing new projects, guiding organizational change, and fostering a resilient team culture.

It required mindfulness, awareness of my surroundings, and the ability to respond gracefully in challenging situations. By leading with intention, we can create a positive work environment conducive to employee well-being and productivity. This involves moving away from reactive management towards proactive leadership that prioritizes self-care and holistic growth. For example, initiatives to promote work-life balance, foster a supportive and inclusive work culture, invest in employee training and development, and prioritize corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Leadership authenticity is paramount in the transparency of the public sector, where community trust and accountability are priorities. Organizations and management must resist the pressure to conform to predefined molds and instead embrace the unique strengths and values each brings. There should be a sense of kindness and unity. Conflict is natural; what matters is how effectively you communicate and collaborate amidst it. This includes constructive problem solving and productive disagreements within the team as well as civil debates. These are all normal and a part of active listening. Having authenticity within the organization entails aligning actions with principles, fostering transparency, and championing integrity in decision-making processes.

I felt torn between meeting the demands of my organization's stakeholders and prioritizing my own well-being. I realized I needed to become a change agent for myself, which entailed adopting a different outlook to my current position and change the situation. Business is changing and I know I thrive in a culture that has a creative synergy as well focuses on relationships to accomplish organizational goals. True leadership needs to be a change agent – someone who drives innovation, fosters growth, and challenges the status quo. This transformation involved me setting boundaries, empowering myself and those around me. With careful consideration, transitioning to a new organization was what I needed to do for my self-care which has proven to be a positive experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to think critically, contribute meaningfully alongside strategic partners, and actively participate in the development of future leaders—all while continuing to serve my community.

While prioritizing my self-care and modeling healthy behaviors for my family, friends and colleagues, I have contributed to fostering a creative culture . My commitment encompasses prioritizing physical health through regular exercise and proper nutrition, as well as nurturing mental well-being through mindfulness practices and stress management techniques.

By leading with intention, embracing authenticity, and prioritizing self-care, leaders can cultivate a culture of well-being and resilience. I believe sometimes in life you can get comfortable and just go along with the flow. Before you know it, time passes you by. If you feel that tug in your heart knowing there needs to be a change, it is time to embrace that change like I did. It may be scary but feeling unhappy or doubting yourself is not okay. As a Human Resources professional I want to succeed but not at the detriment of my health. Feeling energy depletion because your manager sucked the joy right from under you or your days filled with negativity, frustration, and sadness, is not okay. In this journey I not only enhanced my health, but it also enabled me to lead more effectively, inspire those around me.

Absolutely, change, stress, and obstacles are unavoidable aspects of life. While they may present challenges, keeping a positive mindset can indeed lead to success. I have surrounded myself with amazing people, including other Human Resources professionals, to remind me of the truth I know. A culture of toxicity does not have to be the way. I had to confront the uncomfortable situation which lifted the weight off my shoulders, and now the real innovation starts.

Strategically addressing work-life balance involves a comprehensive approach aimed at fostering a supportive workplace culture. This begins with employee feedback and policy review encompassing the organization’s mission and values in everything. Effective communication is essential, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance to both employees and management. Offering training programs that include time and stress management with skills to manage workload effectively. Implementing flexible work schedules and wellness programs. Cultivating a culture shift that values work-life balance, along with regular feedback mechanisms and continuous evaluation, ensures ongoing improvement and adaptation to evolving organizational needs. Through these strategic steps, Human Resources professionals can contribute to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally – and this includes all of us HR Pros!

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If you are on your own self-care journey or you simply want to learn more about this important topic, join IE-PSHRA on May 9, 2024 for our next in-person learning event "Beyond Work/Life Balance: From Stress Management to Self-Care" with Kathy Espinoza.