Leading Through Stress: Practical Reminders for Association Leaders

Leadership today comes with a unique set of pressures. For association leaders, the balancing act between strategy, member needs and team wellbeing often leaves little space for personal care. Our recent wellbeing and stress management workshop with Liana Busoli highlighted not only the challenges leaders face but also some practical, everyday strategies to lighten the load.

Here are 5 small but meaningful shifts you can implement today:

1. Stress Is Contagious But So Is Calm

Leaders set the tone for their teams. Your stress levels, body language and emotional responses ripple outward, shaping how safe and supported your people feel.

Simple regulation techniques like slowing your breathing, grounding yourself before meetings, or pacing your speech can have a steadying effect not just on you, but on everyone around you.

2. The Window of Tolerance

One model discussed was the "window of tolerance" - that zone where stress feels manageable, not overwhelming. Leaders often notice when they’ve slipped into overdrive (anxious, reactive) or underdrive (flat, withdrawn).

Catch yourself early and use strategies like breaks, movement, or mindful check-ins to return to balance.

3. Boundaries Are Leadership, Not Weakness

Many leaders admitted to carrying stress that wasn’t theirs, absorbing the emotions of team members or taking on tasks they didn’t need to. True leadership is knowing when to step back, delegate and avoid internalising pressures that belong elsewhere.

Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re essential.

4. Micro-Shifts Make Macro Change

When the system feels too big to shift, focus on what’s within reach. Could you reduce your team’s workload by just 1%? Could you celebrate even the smallest of wins?

These incremental improvements compound over time, building resilience and capacity in sustainable ways.

5. Self-Compassion Is a Leadership Skill

High-performing leaders often fall into self-criticism, driving themselves harder in the name of responsibility. A striking reminder from the session was to practice self-kindness.

Notice the parts of your role that energise you, balance them with those that drain you, and give yourself permission to be imperfect.

While some tools like breathwork, self-reflection or better delegation are valuable, it's also important to acknowledge the bigger picture. Systemic pressures won’t disappear overnight, but progress comes from focusing on what’s within your control, while naming the broader issues openly.

The reality of leadership is that stress will never vanish. But by grounding yourself, setting boundaries, celebrating small wins and practising self-compassion, you not only protect your own wellbeing - you model healthier behaviours for your team.

And sometimes, that’s the most powerful leadership action of all.