January is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. It’s a natural moment to pause, reflect and reset.
For many people leaders, this time brings a renewed sense of energy – and an opportunity to spark change, to set new goals and to take action.
But at work, this time can be about more than just making a New Year’s Resolution. It’s also a chance to tackle something that holds many back – the damaging effects of the ‘Leader Squeeze’.
If you’ve ever felt it yourself – or noticed it happening to others – then you know how damaging it is. Senior pressures push down from above, while more demands bubble up from the team below. This can feel like a vice, squeezing leaders to breaking point.
This New Year’s fresh start is also a great time to think about accountability. So starting now, why not take ownership and become a Believer in Better?
What does it mean to be a Believer in Better?
At Pavelka, we champion people who know that improving workplace wellbeing isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s essential.
These individuals see the Leader Squeeze for what it is – a damaging phenomenon that brings unnecessary stress and burnout.
Believers in Better do more than simply acknowledge problems like this.
Instead, they take action to dismantle the practices that create it. They lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable workplace culture – one where team wellbeing isn’t an afterthought, but an integral part of success.
Prevention is better than cure
Ah, that old saying! But it’s true, and the Leader Squeeze doesn’t resolve itself or go away on its own.
Left unchecked, it takes a toll on managers, teams and the organization as a whole. Burnout rises. Morale drops. Productivity suffers. This all sounds terrible, right?
But the good news? It can be prevented.
By holding yourself accountable and being open to what’s going on around you, you can begin to drive meaningful, long-term changes and help create a shift into a happier, thriving workplace.
Here’s where you can begin…
Start the conversations
Take some time this month to observe any imbalances at work. Are any managers or teams struggling?
If you do see the Leader Squeeze playing out around you, we would recommend that you speak up. Start a conversation with senior leadership, or another people leader at your organization.
Only by being a little braver, and bringing the issue to light, can you start to change your workplace culture. For the better.
Accountability may start with you, but it doesn’t end there. That’s because senior leaders also need to be accountable for the pressures they put on managers.
By proactively raising awareness in this way, you can open a dialogue that leads to change. It isn’t going to be a one-time conversation either – keep the lines of communication open and keep checking-in regularly.
Communicate with care
Stress thrives in silence. And when people leaders feel unheard or undervalued, their struggles can spiral.
Clear, empathetic communication is a powerful tool for preventing this. But it’s also a two-way street – and listening is every bit as important.
Communicating with care goes beyond simply exchanging information – it’s about building trust and showing genuine empathy. By taking the time to actively listen, you will show that their challenges are understood and that their wellbeing is a priority.
Asking open-ended questions and truly hearing their concerns can uncover underlying issues that might otherwise remain hidden.
People who consistently communicate this way foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and appreciated. This not only helps individuals thrive, it also strengthens the organization as a whole, paving the way for sustainable success.
Change takes time
Organizational change doesn’t happen overnight – and it doesn’t happen alone either.
To dismantle the Leader Squeeze, you’ll need allies. That means building trust and credibility with senior leaders, your colleagues in HR and other key decision-makers.
Position yourself as a trusted advisor and advocate for change. You are a Believer in Better!
When stakeholders see this commitment to workplace wellbeing in action, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead.
Your actions matter
The Leader Squeeze can feel like an immovable weight. But change always starts with individual actions, even small ones.
It starts when people decide to be accountable, to start conversations and to take steps toward a better way of working.
So before January ends, why not take the opportunity to reset – not just for yourself, but for those around you.
Wellbeing isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation of sustainable success. And when someone leads with care, compassion and accountability, they help create a workplace where both managers and teams feel empowered to thrive.
This year, let that person be you.
A Handy Guide to help…
We’ve released a guide called – A Guide to Overcoming the Leader Squeeze to help address the challenges of being ‘trapped’ in the middle and is packed with ideas and strategies to help you tackle the issue.
Why not take a look, and download your free PDF copy of the guide now?
