What's Happening?
Natalie Pickering, PhD, an organizational psychologist and executive coach, argues that self-care practices like massage, meditation, and mindfulness are insufficient to address leadership burnout. According
to Pickering, burnout is not merely a result of fatigue but stems from identity fatigue, where leaders lose connection with their sense of purpose and values. She emphasizes that self-care fails to tackle the root cause of leadership depletion, which is a disconnection from meaning and clarity. Pickering advocates for identity-first leadership, which focuses on nourishing a leader's deeper sense of purpose and values, rather than just performance metrics. This approach aims to create a sustainable leadership model that prioritizes internal coherence and authentic influence.
Why It's Important?
The critique of self-care highlights a significant issue in leadership and organizational culture, where burnout is often normalized as a consequence of ambition. By addressing the root causes of burnout, organizations can improve performance, reduce absenteeism, and enhance team morale. Identity-first leadership can lead to better decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience among leaders, ultimately benefiting the organization as a whole. This approach encourages leaders to align their actions with their values, fostering a culture of authenticity and belonging. As organizations strive to scale and navigate change, adopting identity-first leadership could be crucial in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
