Executive leaders carry an extraordinary weight of responsibility. From setting strategy to representing the organisation, we often find ourselves making decisions that impact hundreds — sometimes thousands — of people.
But here’s the reality: many don’t talk about. Carrying the weight of this on our own could come at a personal cost, especially when our wellbeing is neglected.
The weight of the role
Expectations of leaders are incredibly varied and even unrealistic at times. Leaders are expected to:
- Define long-term strategy
- Maintain culture and motivation
- Manage financial and legal risk
- Navigate uncertainty and change
- Represent the organisation internally and externally
A key characteristic of all these aspects is a high level of uncertainty. Clear-cut solutions or answers are scarce. Managing this requires high levels of cognitive capacity, emotional intelligence, and personal resilience. Without protecting these, we diminish our ability to lead effectively.
The cost of neglecting wellbeing
When leaders don’t prioritise their own wellbeing, the consequences are real:
- Cognitive fatigue → Poor decision-making, reactive leadership
- Emotional exhaustion → Disconnection from people and purpose
- Physical health decline → Stress-related illness and burnout
- Damaging role modelling → A culture of overwork and quiet resignation
- Relationship strain → Both at work and at home
- Loss of long-term perspective → Leadership becomes about surviving, not building
A key differentiator between sustainable leadership and being overwhelmed is the quality of the team that supports executive leaders. I have witnessed some excellent leaders being intentional in investing their energy in compiling and developing a competent team. Having a competent team who are skilled and can be trusted to share the responsibility of the success of the business should be a strategic objective of all executive leaders.
The power of a competent team
The truth is: leadership is not a solo pursuit. A capable team isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
A strong, trusted team can:
- Share cognitive load
- Enable confident delegation
- Improve organisational agility
- Provide emotional and relational support
- Build a culture of ownership
- Enhance decision quality
- Support long-term performance and wellbeing
When leaders are supported by people they trust, they gain time, clarity, and energy — not just to survive the role, but to shape the future.
Leadership demands resilience. And resilience requires rest, support, and shared responsibility. You need a competent team for this.
Wellbeing is not a luxury. It’s a leadership imperative.
Build the team. Set the boundaries. Lead from a place of shared responsibility.
What skill or competency would make a significant positive impact on your own capacity if it was added to your team?
