As leaders, we often focus on productivity and results. But to truly motivate and uplift our teams, we must first understand better the emotional challenges they face.
Two of the most common emotional struggles are depression and anxiety, which are often lumped together. This is a mistake, because while they both weigh heavily, they are very different in nature and approach.
Depression is rooted in the past – it’s a negative obsession with what has already happened. Depression drags a person down with feelings of regret, loss and sadness.
Anxiety, on the other hand, looks ahead – it’s a negative obsession with uncertainty. Anxiety keeps someone in a constant state of worry and dread, it’s a fear of what might happen.
As leaders, we need to recognize the distinction. When someone is depressed, they need reassurance, support, and sometimes a reminder of their value in the present. For someone dealing with anxiety, we must help them focus on what they can control, offering clarity and reducing uncertainty.
Understanding these differences allows us to meet our team where they are emotionally. By tailoring our approach, we not only build trust, we also help our people grow, stay motivated and overcome their emotional hurdles.
Using this thinking and approach presents you, I hope, with a quick yet impactful way to address the differences between depression and anxiety while promoting emotional inntellgence as you lead your team.
And I’ll see YOU at the next 2MMM
