Tag Archives: Stress Reduction

The High-Performer’s Trap: “Polishing” is Killing Your Progress

Two women are standing together in a professional office setting. One woman, dressed in a red suit, looks distressed, holding a hand to her head and clutching a tablet. The other woman, wearing a dark green suit, looks calm and focused as she examines the tablet, appearing to offer guidance or support.

A client recently told me, “I know perfectionism is supposed to be bad, but I can’t let it go. It’s the reason my work is better than everyone else’s.” She isn’t entirely wrong. But she is scientifically misunderstanding the engine of her success. Research in organizational psychology draws a sharp line between two distinct traits

The Physics of Burnout: Why “Efficiency” is Costing You Your Best Decisions

Image visually represents the concept of burnout in the corporate world, with elements like exhausted professionals, a broken hourglass / clock symbolizing time pressure, and background elements suggesting mental health awareness. The tone is serious and thought-provoking, reflecting the urgent need for mental health initiatives in the workplace.

In 2023, 42% of workers reported feeling burned out, a statistic that had climbed steadily since 2020. But for senior leaders, the problem isn’t just the number of people burning out; it’s the type of people we are losing. We are seeing seasoned veterans (the ones who usually “power through”) hitting a wall. For years,

The Leader’s Guide to a Device-Free Day: Reclaiming Your Focus and Presence

Hi. I’m Amy Kay Watson, and I’m addicted to electronics…

Every third Sunday of the month, I have set aside a device-free day. That means this Sunday, I won’t be on email, social media, or even the phone.

A Checklist for Using the SCARF Model to Get Your Head Straight

David Rock, a thought leader in the field of neuroscience and leadership, introduced the SCARF model in his seminal book Your Brain at Work. This book explores how understanding the brain’s natural tendencies can help individuals and teams improve performance, collaboration, and decision-making. The SCARF model, one of the central concepts in the book, offers

Leaders Can Manage Stress by Orienting to Purpose

The image shows five colored blocks arranged in an upward diagonal line on a black background. Each block has an arrow pointing upwards. The colors of the blocks, from left to right, are black, red, orange, yellow, and green. The arrows and the progression of colors suggest a visual representation of growth or progress.

Summary: Corporate stress doesn’t have to run the show. This article explores how purpose-driven leadership helps you manage stress, reduce criticism, and lead with more clarity and compassion—without needing a new to-do list. Listen as a podcast Have you ever felt that crushing weight of stress, the kind that sneaks up on you and suddenly

How to Support Your Team and Yourself During Possible Layoffs

A black professional woman looking at her laptop screen and covering her mouth with her hands as if gasping.

Listen as a podcast Feeling worried about layoffs? Your team probably is too. They’re looking to you for help, and you might need some guidance as well. Here’s what to do. Bottom line, layoffs are tough on everyone. But we do our best when we help each other. Stick together, learn, and who knows, things

Managing Your Inner Critic for Effective Leadership

Woman Standing Against Facing Sun with dawn, dust, evening, lens flare

Listen as a podcast Melissa is a hard-working leader in her organization who found herself entangled in a vicious cycle of self-criticism. She received feedback about the need to hone her listening skills and adapt her approach to be more audience-focused. Despite her efforts, she grappled with quietening her mind during conversations and presentations. Her