Building Resilience and Managing Stress for Better Leadership Outcomes

Abstract

Stress is a psychological and physiological response to threatening or challenging situations. The stress reaction is natural. It occurs due to pressure and demands in a particular work environment. However, excessive or chronic stress may have negative effects, especially on mental and later on physical health. Building resilience and managing stress are crucial managerial skills for effective leadership. High-pressure situations are often faced by leaders. The ability to remain resilient and to manage stress significantly impacts one's performance and the well-being of teams. Stress harms brain functioning, so techniques need to be emphasized to reduce stress. No one is born with resilience; it can be cultivated and strengthened throughout life via experiences. To achieve positive results, resilience helps in prioritizing well-being and to face challenges. This chapter focuses on strategies for better leadership outcomes, stress management techniques, aspects of leadership resilience, and its outcomes.