Studies show that 40% of Finnish employees are under significant stress due to work demands, and mental health-related sick leaves have been increasing.
Even with Finland’s reputation for promoting work-life balance, more than 57% of employees still struggle to maintain boundaries in today’s work environment. For leaders, this situation is often even more challenging, as they must balance their own responsibilities while also supporting their teams.
Many leaders today, both in Finland and across Europe, find themselves struggling with an overwhelming number of demands. It’s not just about keeping up with a heavy workload – there are often competing expectations from managers, colleagues, and team members, all of which can make the task of leading even more challenging. As a result, the pressure to perform at work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes increasingly difficult to manage. As a leader with over 30 years of experience in the telecom and IT industries, I have felt the weight of these challenges firsthand.
Tackling the Complexity: Start with Small, Purposeful Steps
Many leaders feel they need to tackle everything at once, but often the key is to focus on making small, purposeful changes. By gradually shifting habits, priorities, and mindset, leaders can regain a sense of control over their workload and find more balance. The goal isn’t to do more, but to do what’s most important – and to do it better. This is where developing the skills of self-leadership becomes essential.
Addressing Leadership Challenges with a Structured Approach
Organizations like ours often work with leaders who face these very challenges, helping them navigate the complexities of leadership through structured development programs. One such example is the Effective Personal Leadership® (EPL) program, which focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term solutions. Programs like EPL emphasize self-leadership – guiding leaders to understand their strengths, prioritize effectively, and develop habits that promote lasting success.
Rather than offering quick fixes, these types of programs are tailored to each leader’s unique circumstances, supporting sustainable growth over time. This personalized and steady approach can be a crucial factor in helping leaders thrive in today’s demanding environment.
Key Questions for Leaders to Reflect On
If you are a leader feeling overwhelmed by constant demands, it might be worth taking a moment to ask yourself:
- What are my real priorities right now, and how do they align with my long-term goals?
- How much time am I spending on activities that truly matter versus reactive tasks?
- What small changes can I make today to begin leading myself and my team more effectively?
If you’ve been thinking about these challenges and are interested in exploring possible solutions, feel free to get in touch. Either one of my skilled colleagues at LMI Finland or I would be happy to discuss how these ideas could fit your situation and support you in finding more balance and focus in your leadership journey.
Ludger Marekwia
LMI johtajuuskehittäjä