Navigating the Winter Storm: Leadership Resilience in the NHS and Public Sector

With Christmas now upon us, I’ve been reflecting on the last 20 Christmases I’ve spent working within the NHS and the unique set of challenges this brings to leaders in healthcare and across wider public services. These work pressures combine with personal commitments and expectations and often form a powder keg of stress, frustration, and difficulties that we carry with us throughout the winter season.

This blog explores the importance of leadership resilience during this critical period and offers practical strategies for both individual leaders and their teams to weather the storm.

The Winter Challenge

The NHS and public sector are bracing for what many anticipate to be one of the most challenging winters on record. With high numbers of patients waiting for care and treatment, combined with the impact of flu seasons and other winter illnesses coming to the fore, there is an ever-increasing strain placed upon our health and emergency services. As a result, NHS trust leaders are preparing for a difficult winter, with growing concerns about meeting key performance targets.

In addition to these professional challenges, leaders must also navigate personal responsibilities and expectations during the holiday season. The pressure to balance work demands with family commitments can be overwhelming, potentially leading to burnout if not managed effectively.

With long hours, working over the festive season, the knowledge that high pressure and late finishes are inevitable, and the moral baggage of carrying responsibility for the huge numbers of unwell people within the system, it is essential that leaders work together with their teams to maximise everyone’s resilience during this period.

The Importance of Leadership Resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. For leaders in high-pressure environments, it's not just about personal survival—it's about maintaining the ability to guide and support others through turbulent times. Resilient leaders are better equipped to make clear decisions, communicate effectively, and inspire their teams, even in the face of significant challenges.

7 Top Tips for Maximising Leadership Resilience

1. Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish; it's essential for maintaining resilience. Ensure you're getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Even 20-30 minutes of activities you enjoy can help lower stress levels. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Research shows that regular mindfulness practice helps reduce stress and improves overall resilience. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply focus on the present moment for 15 minutes daily. If you can’t fit 15 minutes into that manic shift, 5 minutes whilst having that cup of coffee will do – make the most of the time to reset your stress levels.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish and maintain clear boundaries for work-life balance. Be clear about your working hours and stick to them. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks appropriately. Work with other leaders and team members to ensure shared responsibility and coverage, with no individual taking more than their fair share of the burden – spreading responsibility out supports team resilience. This is particularly important during the holiday season when personal commitments increase.

4. Seek Support

Build a strong network of peers and consider seeking out a mentor or coach. These support mechanisms provide outlets to discuss challenges, gain insights, and navigate your leadership role more effectively. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and in many situations, this supportive approach helps you to identify the best way forward quicker – resolving the challenge of not being able to see the wood for the trees.

5. Prioritise and Re-prioritise

Develop a fluid, continuous prioritisation discipline – in peak pressure periods, robust reprioritisation is essential, as it is unlikely that absolutely everything can be achieved. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Box to categorise tasks based on urgency and importance. During the winter period, be prepared to reassess priorities regularly as situations evolve.

6. Foster a Supportive Team Culture

Create an environment where team members feel valued, respected, and encouraged to speak up. Establish open communication, provide clear and constructive feedback, and prioritise collaboration – delegation within a supportive environment becomes an automatic sharing of the load and is a much more effective approach than dictating what everyone will do. A supportive team culture can significantly reduce stress for everyone.

7. Plan for Rest and Recovery

Schedule regular downtime for rest and solitude. Alternate between social activities and periods of quiet reflection. Use your annual leave allowance and ensure you fully unplug during breaks. This allows you to recharge and gain perspective, returning with renewed energy and focus.

Supporting Your Team's Resilience: 5 Top Tips

While personal resilience is crucial, leaders must also focus on building resilience within their teams. Here are some strategies to support your team:

1. Encourage Open Dialogue

Create an environment where team members feel safe to voice concerns, ask for help, and provide feedback. This open communication can help identify and address issues before they escalate - you can then prioritise and problem-solve together.

2. Promote Responsible Public Health Practices

Encourage your team to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. Promote good hygiene practices and ensure your workplace adheres to necessary safety measures.

3. Implement Flexible Working Arrangements

Where possible, offer flexible working arrangements to help team members balance work and personal commitments during the holiday season - and make sure work is distributed fairly and equally to avoid discontent and resentment. This can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

4. Recognise and Celebrate Efforts

Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team, especially during challenging periods. Recognition can boost morale and motivation, enhancing overall resilience. Thank people personally for all of their work, and take time to understand their situation and aims. Spend time recognising their achievements over the year and demonstrating your belief in their abilities.

5. Provide Mental Health Support

Ensure your team is aware of available mental health resources and encourage their use, as the winter period is well known to bring with it difficult jobs and challenging situations. This could include employee assistance programs, counselling services, or mental health first aiders within the organisation.

Conclusion

As leaders in the NHS and public sector, the winter period presents significant challenges both professionally and personally. However, by focusing on building personal resilience and supporting your team, it's possible to navigate these challenges effectively. Remember, resilience is not about never faltering—it's about having the strength to get back up when you do.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your ability to lead effectively through the winter months and beyond, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your team, your organisation, and ultimately, the public you serve. As we move into this challenging period, let's commit to prioritising resilience. In doing so, we not only safeguard our own well-being but also set a powerful example for our teams and colleagues. Together, we can weather the winter storm and emerge stronger on the other side.