S2 EP7: Breaking Overwhelm Through Better Habits

Summary In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter interviews Lori Smith, a seasoned healthcare leader and executive coach. They discuss the chaotic moments experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition from a CNO role to coaching, and the mental overwhelm faced by healthcare leaders today. Lori shares insights on effective time management, the importance of accountability, and strategies to combat burnout. The conversation emphasizes the humanity of leadership and the need for connection and support among peers. Lori also highlights the significance of finding joy and laughter in life outside of work. Keywords healthcare leadership, coaching, mental overwhelm, time management, executive coaching, healthcare challenges, leadership strategies, burnout, organizational psychology Chaos Whispering Practical Tips • The first step to minimize mental overwhelm is self assessment: what are your habits, potential blind spots and biases that have led to overcommitment or wasting time in non-value-added meetings? • Neuroplasticity can either help or hurt mental overwhelm. Habits that are repeated over time become the new “normal” for our brains. Start small by identifying 1 habit that is lending itself to overwhelm and try doing it differently. Be consistent so that new neural pathways can form. • Consider viewing delegation as a growth opportunity instead of a burden to others. We all get to leadership because someone trusted us to do more. • When delegating, clear is kind…state what the deliverable is and negotiate the due date together out loud. Unspoken assumptions lead to frustration. • Start your workday by viewing your time and energy as a finite resource (like a dollar). Consider how much of it you want to spend on work activities vs at home and act accordingly. • Note that silence/total agreement from a group does not necessarily mean things are going well. Healthy debate is necessary in a room of diverse viewpoints. Seek these opposing views as a leader to ensure the best possible solution. • Consider accountability pods of peers who can help you stay on track with your new habits as a leader to ensure you sustain your own hard-earned improvement. Connect with our Guest: Company website: www.laurieleeleadership.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-lee-smith/ Connect with Dr. Carter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/ Company website: www.mchcc.net Podcast official website: https://www.mchcc.net/cw-podcast