I’m late to the party on this one but I recently started watching HBO’s brilliant series ‘Industry’. The premise ‘Young finance graduates venture out in the cut-throat competitive world to get a job during the recession times that followed as a result of the 2008 financial crisis.’
Without spoiling too much for those that haven’t watched it, ‘Industry’ is pretty brutal. It showcases how toxicity in the workplace can cause extreme stress (or even worse!) in not only junior members of the team but lead to the demise of leaders – people who are meant to be examples and the guiding light of a business.
The show got me thinking about how I navigated the start-up world in the past and what I did to keep sane. I realised that there was a common thread for both me personally and also my observations of other product leaders or CEOs. Those that did a good job looking after themselves seemed to be more successful in keeping the ship sailing smoothly for everyone else and the company.
Building products is super tough and leading organisations or teams to do it can be both challenging and rewarding. The stresses put on people in organisations can be insurmountable. I’ll always remember Jensen Huang of NVIDIA fame saying that he would not ‘do it again’ if he had a chance. Whilst hugely successful now, the immense pressure and pain in making the company a success wasn’t necessarily worth it!
So how does stress manifest itself and how can self-care help not only yourself as a product leader or exec but also your team and ultimately the company and company culture?
Product development is a high-stakes arena. The constant pressure to innovate, meet deadlines, and drive business growth can take a significant toll on those at the helm. Product leaders are often caught between the demands of their teams, the expectations of stakeholders, and the ever-present need to stay ahead in a competitive market.
I’ve noticed that even with seasoned product veterans stress can quickly become overwhelming, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and even impact the overall health of the organisation. Everyone has their limits!
Although in recent years the conversation around mental health and well-being in the workplace has gained momentum, product leaders still find themselves neglecting their own needs in favour of the ‘greater good’. I’m not so sure this is the right approach for sustained growth or harmony with a business.
The Stress of Product Development
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), 79% of employees reported experiencing work-related stress in 2022, with leadership roles being particularly vulnerable.
With new innovations being delivered (And accelerating recently with the advent of AI), we’re expected to be on top of everything. It can rapidly become overwhelming or even simply impossible to ‘know it all’.
COVID might have allowed us to enjoy a better work-life balance by making remote work the norm in tech companies. But in fact the opposite has happened. The Harvard Business Review noted a significant increase in burnout among leaders, with many citing the inability to switch off as a major contributor.
The Impact of Self-Care on Leadership and Teams
Taking care of yourself is not just about avoiding burnout; it’s about being a more effective leader. When product leaders are stressed, it can affect their decision-making, communication, and ability to inspire their teams. Research by Gallup shows that stressed leaders are more likely to exhibit negative behaviours, such as micromanagement, which can lead to decreased morale and productivity among their teams.
On the other hand, leaders who prioritise their well-being are better equipped to handle the challenges of product development. They can think more clearly, make better decisions, and foster a positive work environment. This, in turn, encourages their teams to adopt similar self-care practices, creating a culture of well-being that benefits the entire organisation. The World Health Organisation has highlighted that workplaces with well-integrated mental health support see increased engagement and reduced absenteeism, directly impacting the bottom line.
I recall being part of a start-up in my twenties. Our CEO was passionate but could not stop working. In fact he couldn’t stop – period! As travel commitments started to take their toll he began firing staff, losing his temper and ultimately lost his post as CEO. It took years of self repair to turn his fortunes around but it had a devastating effect on the team and the company.
Examples of Effective Self-Care Practices in Product Development
Anne Wojcicki, CEO of 23andMe, advocates for work-life balance and has implemented policies in her company to support employee well-being, such as flexible working hours and mental health days. I do believe that an organisation needs to take a strong and visible stance on mental health and work-life balance in order to almost enforce that leaders and everyone else take rest and are able to recover. Without a proactive approach I fear that individuals will continue to believe in the more is more philosophy – which is ultimately so damaging.
Self-Care Tips for Product Leaders
To help you maintain balance and resilience in the stressful world of product development, here are some self-care practices to incorporate into your daily routine. Everyone is different. For me, I’ve found working out at a gym before my day starts to be one of the biggest game changers. Additionally diet and nutrition are possibly even more important – if you’re snacking or consuming large quantities of sugar or drinking after work then you’re not doing your body (and mind) any favours.
- Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls outside of these hours to give yourself time to unwind. When you’re on holiday, especially with family, delete your work apps and work accounts from your phone. You’re not saving babies so just do it and enjoy your time away from work.
- Prioritise Physical Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining energy levels and mental clarity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Build in walking to your regimen. Walking is the secret way to keep bodyfat under check – it also enables you to catch up with friends or family on a call whilst you walk or completely zone out to some chilled out music. You’ll also feel more confident lifting weights.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises into your routine. These practices can help reduce stress and improve focus. This works for some people but you’re going to have to establish what form works for you. I’ve tried the usual apps, they don’t work. Instead sometimes I simply decompress by doing nothing in a park or on my walks.
- Delegate and Trust Your Team: Avoid micromanaging. Trust your team with responsibilities and give them the autonomy to make decisions. This will reduce your workload and empower your team. This is a huge huge issue in management. I see this in every company I’ve worked with or for. To be honest I see micromanagement as a failure of the leader in two fronts: Being aware and trust.
Being aware means that as a leader you have a duty to inform yourself of the tasks and products your teams are working on. Do you honestly think you can remain at the high level strategic direction of the company by NOT having a DEEP and continual understanding of the work mechanics and day to day?
I don’t believe it is possible to lead without having some level of being hands on. If you’re not informed you panic, you micromanage and you appear useless when joining team calls as you’ve got no clue what’s going on. Your team will trust you if you make the effort to listen and understand. This doesn’t mean being in every stand up but it does mean taking time to delegate properly and have feedback sessions.
- Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your desk regularly to clear your mind. Short breaks can improve concentration and prevent burnout. Use something like an Apple watch to get yourself to ‘stand’ – yes it is annoying but it works.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mentor, coach, or mental health professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, talking things through with an outsider can provide a fresh perspective. Re-read this. Once you get into the habit of asking your life will take an unexpected wonderful turn. You’ll realise that showing humility and vulnerability will not only help you become stronger but will help you get closer to your teams.
- Engage in Hobbies: Pursue activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, painting, or playing a sport, having a hobby can provide a much-needed mental break.
- Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Encourage open communication about stress and well-being within your team. By normalising these conversations, you can create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable prioritising their health.
The Ripple Effect of Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. As a product leader, your well-being directly impacts your ability to lead effectively, make sound decisions, and foster a positive and productive work environment. By taking care of yourself, you set the tone for your team and contribute to a healthier, more resilient organisation. Remember, a well-rested and focused leader is a better leader—one who can guide their team through the challenges of product development with clarity, creativity, and compassion.