Loneliness. The epidemic in our society is seriously impacting our wellbeing, and even killing us.
Loneliness increases the risks of early mortality by 26% according to a massive piece of Red Cross research last year. The same research showed that things aren’t much better at work, and particularly among one group of employees.
Loneliness of senior leaders
32% of senior managers reported being often or always lonely. 56% of them felt their colleagues were like strangers to them.
A third of your senior team feel lonely and isolated and over half struggle to connect with other leaders.
Result of loneliness at work
Those are horrible statistics. Particularly, as loneliness at work is correlated with:
- Reduced employee engagement
- Lowered analysis and decision-making performance
- Less creativity and reduced discretionary effort
- Worse teamworking and general wellbeing.
One third of the very people entrusted with guiding, transforming and elevating your organisation, and need to be at the very top of their game to do so, feel lonely and isolated.
How to deal with the loneliness of leadership
So some thoughts, if you’re in that senior leader group, and recognise that you’re feeling lonely.
- Give a bit back: give up some time for mentoring junior colleagues. Share your wisdom and knowledge. They’ll benefit, but you’ll feel more connected too, so big benefits to you.
- Build bridges: with colleagues who add to your life, perspective and energy; minimise (where you can) the time you spend with those who don’t. Outside of work, make the most of your time and trim your social circle to the people who bring you most interest, fun, stimulation or joy.
- Make moments count: use those lulls before meetings to get to know your peers a bit more, and take a risk to disclose some appropriate personal stuff about you. Set up a virtual coffee, or even a real one when you can. Call it networking if you need to, but this is also for your wellbeing and performance.
- Do different stuff: join some groups in or outside work that interest, engage and stretch you. You’re likely to encounter others who feel the same way about the topic – and that’s a good platform to a new relationship.
- Be alone consciously: if you find yourself alone more than 75% of the time, the research suggests that you’re likely to feel lonely. No surprise there. However, by reframing that you are choosing to be alone, apparently people don’t feel so lonely – even when they spend over that 75% of their time on their own.
- Find a confidante: your own personal mentor, supporter or cheerleader in or outside of work to help you talk through your ups and downs – and give them licence to push you to connect with your own tribe back in work.
Also remember that you’re likely to be surrounded by other senior managers who feel the same way, and would value your views, humour, support and companionship.
If you are interested in finding out what we can do for you and receiving support from an Act 5 coach, please contact us today.
