HOW TO

TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF WHILE
YOU ARE LEADING.

At least once per day, take a few moments to be mindful (fully aware of the present moment). You do
this automatically when dealing with operational problems or your customers. The focus of this
mindfulness is to let go of problems. Close your eyes. Spend 2 minutes breathing in a calm and relaxed
way. Pay attention to your breathing (or listen to a favorite piece of music – really anything that brings
you into the present moment) and let everything else go. If you default into thinking about solving
problems, return to paying attention to your breathing. Just a few minutes a day of resting your
mind can help you recharge and respond to challenges in a more effective and caring way.

Once the surge of the day has subsided (no matter what time of night), ask yourself “What do I need
now?” Take a moment and listen to yourself: Maybe quiet time to read or watch something mindless.
Maybe reconnection with someone you care about. Maybe rest or sleep. The important point is
to allow yourself a moment to ask the question. Tell those you live with what you need – they
will not know unless you tell them. Don’t forget that your family and loved ones are coping with their
own feelings, as well as yours.

When you make a mistake (which is unavoidable), be kind to yourself (just as you would put a
supportive arm around someone else who falls short). Of course, we want to eliminate errors, but
rather than criticize yourself remember that mistakes are part of living a full life. Keep yearning and
learning as you work to do your best.
 Know your stress signs and reactions. Pay attention if others share their perceptions that you are
stressed (this is often communicated in mitigated rather than direct ways). Do the basics to manage
your stress: Eat regular meals (or have healthy snacks at ready). Monitor your caffeine and sugar
intake. Get as much sleep as you can. Exercise several times per week – walking is great. Blow off
steam with someone you trust. Keep your perspective and sense of humor. Unmanaged stress
significantly reduces performance and decision quality – don’t underestimate it.

Remember that there are things in life that are beyond our control – keep focused on the things that
you can control (including the way you react to problems). Don’t ruminate over negative events – it
wastes your energy. Every night make a quick list of the things that you are grateful for in life – people,
your talents, moments and events large and small. Conscious gratitude makes us a little wiser,
which we need right now.

Challenges are what make

life interesting and overcoming
them is what makes life meaningful.
– Joshua J. Marine

About Rick Brandt, Ph.D.

Rick originally joined TalentQuest in 1996. Currently, serving as Executive
Vice President at TalentQuest, he specializes in executive coaching and
working with executive teams. He also provides thought leadership to
TalentQuest’s future direction, and our product and service offerings.

More about Rick.

ABOUT TALENTQUEST
TalentQuest has a 45-year history of helping our clients unleash the power of their people.
Fueled by behavioral science and our proprietary TQ Talent Insights™, our innovative
Talent Management and Development solutions enable organizations to shift from a
one-size-fits-all to an individualized approach to talent management and development.