Send us a text This week on Positively Leading , I'm joined by Dr Pete Stebbins for part two of our special series on leadership and well-being. We're diving deep into the first of two critical questions: what drives us as leaders to endure high levels of personal distress, often at the expense of our own health? Pete highlights the stark reality that school leaders face, with a staggering 60% incidence rate of depression, anxiety, and stress disorders compared to just 10% in the general population. Despite running well-being programs in their schools, we explore why educated leaders tolerate such high levels of stress, revealing a surprising disconnect between knowledge and practice. We delve into emotional suppression, discussing how it can manifest in leaders who prioritise the needs of others over their own well-being. Pete shares insights on the "little T" traumas that accumulate throughout our lives, from feeling excluded in childhood to dealing with the daily stresses of leadership. These experiences shape how we respond to challenges and often lead us to ignore our own emotional health. Throughout our conversation, we emphasise the importance of recognising and valuing our emotions and the balance between belonging and individuality. Pete challenges us to consider whether we are driven by external expectations or motivated by a genuine passion for our roles. This episode is essential for school leaders who may find themselves in similar situations, reminding us all of the need to prioritise our well-being and set healthy boundaries. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.
