When you’re the boss, your biggest responsibility and your greatest source of authority is the example you set. Employees watch you and expect you to set the norms for the company. That means setting and following company policy and demonstrating a strong work ethic, but it also means taking care of yourself in other areas of your life.
Physical health
First of all, it’s very difficult to be your best self if your physical health is uncertain. Have your necessary health check-ups, try working out in the company gym if there is one and look at LCR Health Active PK reviews for more ideas on how to get healthy and stay healthy. When you take care of your own health, you are better able to give more and set a better example for your employees.
Mental health
Mental health goes hand in hand with physical health, though it is often neglected. That means monitoring your stressors and the anxiety levels they generate. It’s tempting to overwork yourself, but that will ultimately backfire when you lose energy and focus as you burn out. If your employees follow that overworking example, it will end up backfiring on the whole company. Develop a healthy, sustainable work-life balance and expect that your employees will do the same.
Emotional health
Part of this ties into emotional health. Fostering connections and respecting the emotional wellbeing of yourself and others is something that many people struggle with, especially at work, because so much of emotional wellbeing is about setting boundaries and keeping them secure. Emotional health means better, clearer communication and respect, and that’s something all companies want more of from time to time.
Energy
Everything in the world needs energy to keep going, and that applies to people as much as it applies to companies. Being physically healthy, whatever that looks like for you, will ensure that you have the largest possible store of energy to invest in your work. It’s important to show your employees that you invest time, effort and energy into the company; when you do that, they will do the same. Remember to keep that work-life balance in mind, though. If you put too much energy into any one thing, even your life’s work, you may find yourself burned out long before you reach the finish line.
Focus
Only with a healthy foundation can you really exert your true potential of focus. It’s hard to focus at the best of times but, if you are physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted for any reason, it quickly becomes impossible. If you’re not focusing on your own work and the company as a whole, whether because your physical, mental or emotional health is not in order or because of a simple lack of self-discipline, you can hardly expect your employees to focus on their work. Good or bad, they are going to follow the example you have set.
Empathy
Last but not least, emotional health both fosters and is built on empathy. If you are putting in the same amount of energy and focus as your employees, then you can better empathize with them and they can better empathize with you. The more you demonstrate that you understand their emotions and appreciate their efforts, the more they will recognize your efforts and emotions. This feedback loop of mutual understanding creates an atmosphere of collaboration that will boost productivity like nothing else. There is no substitute for it and no better sign of a truly thriving employee-employer relationship.
It is hard to ask anything of your employees that you haven’t already asked of yourself, and it’s hard to ask anything of yourself if you aren’t looking after your own health. That means physically, mentally and emotionally. With that foundation, you can expect better ability to focus as well as having more energy to expend on work and empathy. With this strong personal framework, you can both ask more and expect more from your employees.
Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer from Chicago. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks and DIY. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing the little ones around or can be found rock climbing at the local climbing gym.