More Than Just Networking: The Essential Role of Community in Leader Wellbeing

The wellbeing of individuals within an organisation is deeply interwoven with the health and strength of its community, but this extends far beyond the workplace and highlights a fundamental truth about human existence: community is vital for our mental health in general. ‘Community’ is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness week, which runs from 12th to 18th May. The aim of this year’s campaign is to celebrate the power and vital importance of having a safe and supportive community around us, so we developed this month's blog with that in mind, exploring this impact on leaders.

Wellbeing and Leadership

Leaders often grapple with a unique set of stressors that can impact their mental wellbeing. The weight of decision-making, the constant pressure to perform, and the isolation that can accompany leadership roles can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout in leaders. Often, leaders will frequently sacrifice personal time and wellbeing for the sake of their organisations, blurring the lines between professional and personal life.  This relentless pressure can take a significant toll; research indicates that a substantial percentage of senior leaders, over 80%, report exhaustion levels indicative of burnout risk.

This blurring of boundaries can be detrimental because it prevents leaders from fully recovering from the demands of their role. Without clear separation, the stress and pressures can repeatedly intrude on personal lives. It also diminishes the time and energy available for essential activities that can help promote your wellbeing and connecting with others.

Drawing on implicit leadership theories, the National Library Medicine suggests that people will expect leaders to experience ‘better’ mental health compared to those occupying other organisational roles (e.g., subordinates). This assumption can be an additional burden to a leader; they may begin to discount their feelings in order to live up to their employees’ expectations. This can be problematic for the leader and organisation as a whole, as we know that shutting down our feelings won’t resolve instances of poor mental health, and it may come out in other ways such as frustration or anger directed at employees. We’ve all heard the saying ‘don’t suffer in silence.’

Community and Wellbeing

Community is fundamental to our well-being and growth. It goes beyond simply being near others; it's the connections that provide us with a sense of belonging, supporting us both practically and emotionally. In a tangible sense, our communities offer practical help, shared resources, and safety. Emotionally, it shapes who we are and how we cope with challenges. We gain self-esteem and strength through shared joys, comfort in difficult times, and the feeling of being understood. Connection is essential to our human experience.

"One of the marvellous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.” Jean Vanier

It’s clear that a community can offer invaluable support, but leaders can face challenges when relying on it. The diverse perspectives within a community, while enriching, can lead to conflicting advice, potentially hindering a leader's vision and challenge them. The time commitment required to actively participate and contribute to a community can also be demanding for busy leaders. Also, the nature of leadership often involves making unpopular decisions, which can sometimes lead to isolation or criticism from within a community, experiences of this can prevent leaders wanting to engage in this way. Whilst it can be difficult, the benefits of being part of a community can positively assist leaders, rather than it being seen as more networking.

Here are four ways it can positively impact and what is happening physiologically when it does:

1. Reduces Isolation: Leadership can be isolating, which can negatively impact mental health. A strong community provides a support system, reminding leaders they are not alone in their challenges. This social connection can release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of bonding and reduces anxiety.
2. Provides Emotional Support: Community offers a safe space to share experiences, frustrations, and successes, fostering emotional resilience. Sharing experiences and receiving empathy can help regulate the amygdala, the brain's emotional center, leading to a more balanced emotional state.
3. Offers Diverse Perspectives: Interacting with a diverse community can broaden a leader's thinking, helping them make more informed and empathetic decisions. Exposure to different viewpoints can stimulate cognitive flexibility and challenge ingrained thought patterns, promoting mental agility.
4. Enhances Sense of Purpose: Contributing to a community can give leaders a sense of purpose beyond their organizational role, boosting their overall satisfaction and well-being. A strong sense of purpose has been linked to increased activity in the brain's reward system, which can enhance mood and motivation.

Leaders can find vital support by actively engaging with various communities. Professional organisations within their industry or focused on leadership offer networking and mentorship. Online platforms such as LinkedIn groups and specialised forums can help create diverse digital connections. Participating in mentorship programs, both as a mentee and mentor, can help build strong relationships. 

Canadian Philosopher Jean Vanier said “One of the marvellous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.” I like this quote as it highlights the power of a collective when supporting others, having a community to lean on can make a real difference not only to our wellbeing, but also contribute to our success and what we can achieve.