The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook for Leaders: How Improving Your Mental Health Is Essential to Avoiding Burnout and Leading More Effectively

Summary

Leaders are expected to be strong, dynamic, intelligent, and level-headed. As a leader, you may feel compelled to embody a "superhuman" standard or make personal sacrifices in order to get a project done well and on time. You might ignore the warning signs of mental health issues such as sleeplessness and fatigue. And, to make matters worse, you may rely on unhealthy behaviors such as consuming alcohol to deal with the overwhelming stress of daily life. So, how can you break this destructive cycle, prioritize your mental health, and optimize performance?

This workbook offers skills and strategies based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to soothe stress, avoid exhaustion, and build the resilience required to show up as your best self. You'll gain a greater understanding of the specific psychological challenges inherent in leadership positions, the emotional toll it takes professionally and personally, and—most importantly—how to manage these challenges effectively.

As a leader, admitting that you are struggling can be difficult. You may have feelings of shame, or fears of being stigmatized. But when weighed against the increasing costs to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, you simply can't afford to ignore it!