Mental health challenge of leadership

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Adeoye Oyewole

Beyond the protocols, privileges, and paraphernalia of office; leadership is a tremendous challenge. Each time a leadership position is assumed, there is a need for orientation not only of the job process but of the psychological demand of the posting. Leadership positions whether in public, private, or even religious organisations challenge the emotional, physical, and intellectual resources of individuals occupying such positions.

Unfortunately, this is not promptly admitted by such individuals and although noticeable by relatives, it is usually not given the prompt attention it deserves possibly due to fear of being adjudged incapable and incompetent thus paving the way for a rival colleague to capitalise especially in our subculture where leaders must assume the character of omnipotence. The suffering, therefore, goes on in silence with grave personal and societal consequences.

In a country like Nigeria, where processes and structures in organisations and governance are not clearly defined and entrenched, the leadership becomes the scapegoat. There is an expectation to perform the unusual, especially from the restless and impatient public secondary to several years of mismanagement, abuse, and poverty. Under the influence of a messianic complex, the leader throws himself into the job without due consideration for the rhythm of his physiological and psychological processes.

Managing people is the most difficult administrative task and is an unending source of stress for executives. The leader must cope with the least capable of the employees, with the depressed, the suspicious, the malicious, the self-centered, and the generally unhappy.

There is the challenge of balancing conflicting personalities and creating a motivated work group. Leadership is expected to define a purpose, organise people around it, resolve conflicts, establish priorities, make decisions about other people, accept and deflect their hostility, and deal with the frustration that arises out of the continuing interaction which may culminate in burnout. When a leadership assignment involves taking responsibility for the sins of predecessors, the psychological demand can be enormous. In this instance, I connect with the political officeholders in our dear country where several years of neglect and mismanagement have put so much pressure on our current political leaders because the polity has become more aware and demanding.

Our dear president, who must take responsibility for basic leadership must also tackle terrorism which is a new, sophisticated security challenge with strong political undertones. Yet the expectation of the polity cannot be anything less than peace, tranquility, and prosperity.

Burnout occurs when managers are deluged with sets of competing demands not only is work intense, but there are also demands to participate in family life and keep up with friends. Leaders may feel a decreased ability to set limits on these various demands until they get overwhelmed and retreat.

This may manifest in interpersonal problems where they find it more difficult to deal with other people as they may overreact with emotional outbursts that are capable of isolating them from the same people who can genuinely help. When leaders are caught in the burnout cycle, negative emotions become more predominant which inhibits the continuous flow of energy rendering them incapable of facing challenges with a positive attitude. Concentration is impaired and they can come down with health problems. They may feel constantly tired and run down.

Research has shown that folks experiencing burnout are more prone to accidents especially car accidents since thoughts are not focused. Some resort to substance abuse especially alcohol and practice self-medication. The usual routine religions and recreational activities usually fail to offer relief. Tragically enough, judgment is impaired as the stress continues which may be fatal as these individuals are saddled with the responsibility of taking vital decisions.

Human resource managers and special assistants to governors or the president must be proactive. They must recognize that burnout can and will happen. Awareness should be created for leaders to express not only their anger but also their disappointment, helplessness, hopelessness, defeat, and depression.

There is also a strong need for peer support from executives or leaders in similar circumstances. Recreational breaks, retreats, and regular retraining to upgrade skills may be crucial. Above all, there is a need for regular interaction with an executive coach who must be a skillful mental health expert capable of creating a platform for the leader to express himself and be appropriately counseled. Spouses and children of our leaders pay an enormous psychological price for the leadership that the leader of their family is providing.

Beyond routine medical check-ups, there is a need for this mental health professional intercourse crucial for building adaptive coping mechanisms and discouraging maladaptive ones. Our leaders are human beings who need support, especially their spouses and children whose mental health must be clinically managed and protected.

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