Ms. Stempel, how does leadership succeed under time pressure?
This is actually difficult. Good leadership not only depends on the skills of the manager, but also on certain general conditions. Enough time is an important resource. We know from research that if a person has to handle too much work over the long term, they will perform worse. If the stress continues, she should reconsider the working conditions: Are there structural changes that would relieve her? Can other people take responsibility?
How does a manager manage to get employees to solve many problems themselves?
By building good relationships with employees, checking what experience and skills they have and where they can develop, entrusting them with tasks and letting them solve them independently. But: You also need time for this.
How can a manager take care of himself under time pressure?
She has to reflect on what her own role is, what expectations are placed on her and – this is difficult for many managers – what her limits are and accept them. You should ask yourself: What is important to me and what can I manage? I have the impression that managers often think more about their employees’ health than their own. But their health also needs to be protected. This has often been overlooked in the past. In addition, managers are role models. Anyone who works 60 hours a week cannot credibly advocate for healthy working conditions.
Christiane Stempel is a lecturer in the field of work and organizational psychology at the Open University in Hagen. She researches healthy and health-promoting leadership.
Would you like to find out more about the topic? Then read the experience report from the market manager of a supermarket about the feeling of never having enough time “Do you have five minutes?”
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