Top tip for effective leadership

Ishbel Straker is a Consultant Psychiatric Nurse and one of her passions is the mental well-being within ministry. She has been working with Elim developing this provision for nearly three years and it continues to grow

Ishbel is the Founder and CEO of I Straker
Consultants, a mental health service

The quality of leadership is at the heart of the role of a minister. Whether they are leading a congregation, staff, an individual through a difficult time or the function of a church building, it all requires leadership skills. These skills can make or break a situation and they are developed over time – but the training ground for this element of the role is on the job, making it far more stressful.

So why are we talking about this? Because I believe it can be a pitfall of mental health. Prioritising mental well-being is crucial for effective leadership in high-pressure environments.

Investing in mental health and the implementation of proactive strategies can significantly enhance a leader’s resilience. We know this element of a minister’s position is inherently challenging and invests high levels of stress which can adversely affect mental health because the role depends on strategic thinking and decision-making skills as well as emotional stability and psychological resilience.

According to research, leaders with strong mental health are better equipped to handle stress, communicate effectively, make sound decisions, and inspire their teams. Additionally, a leader’s mental health sets the tone for the workplace environment, impacting team morale and productivity.

To maintain this balance, leaders must stay vigilant about the signs of mental fatigue in themselves and their teams. Common indicators include a lack of concentration, a drop in performance, irritability, withdrawal from social interactions, and changes in sleep patterns. Recognising these early signs is crucial for taking timely action to prevent burnout and sustain high levels of team performance.

Remember, quality leadership can make or break situations. It’s the backbone of the role of a minister, but you can reduce the pressure by not focusing on perfection. It is not your job to get everything right all the time; it is your job to do the best you can at each interval, to be reflective on the rough patches and the good patches, and not to become complacent.

It is also your responsibility to prioritise the areas of your life that enhance your leadership skills, and to maintain as well as promote good mental health, enabling you to continue to power through.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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