We Need Each Other Well: Why Wellbeing Is a Leadership Imperative
Weekly Dose of Work Recovery Vol. 2.12.25
It feels like, as a collective, we’ve forgotten something vital: we need each other—in life and in business. In a time where cuts run deep - whether in budgets, teams, or even personal connections - the truth remains: we can’t succeed alone.
But here’s the deeper truth: We don’t just need each other, we need each other to be well. When we’re healthy, motivated, and supported, our work relationships become fertile ground for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how churn-and-burn cultures - those that prioritize short-term profits over the long-term contributions of individuals - diminish not only the people within them but the organizations themselves. High turnover, low morale, and disengagement leave lasting scars in the form of work wounds, and they make it far harder to recruit and retain top talent.
At one firm where I worked, people gave everything they had to the job, only to be discarded when a leader went on a power trip. Unfortunately, the employees were made to feel insignificant and regularly belittled, but their burnout and betrayal weren’t just personal losses - they were actually reflections of the firm's trashed reputation. Because people talk and no one wants to work where they know they will be treated terribly in time too.
💡 Here’s the reality: Research shows that leaders who prioritize people over short-term profits cultivate healthier cultures and longer-term success. Companies that treat departing employees with respect see a 35% increase in positive reputation scores, making it easier to attract talent and partners who value ethical leadership.
How you treat people - whether they stay or leave - is your leadership equity.
Even the most thoughtful leaders make mistakes in their relationships with others. Chronic stress and neglecting your own wellbeing leads to a shorter temper, disconnection, and missed opportunities. But when you invest in your own inner balance, you have capacity to show up as better collaborators.
Prioritizing your own wellbeing enables more meaningful work relationships - it’s a success multiplier. Because treating people with respect, no matter whether you agree or disagree with them or they are staying or leaving an organization, will always be the right thing to do.
It's a lot easier for a calm, regulated leader to show up with compassion and kindness. How are you resetting regularly to enable better relationships?
This Week's Did You Know?
A Tale of Two Continents
While the political moves are emboldening big companies and bosses to embrace “strict” work culture and policies in the US, over in Spain they have more siestas coming to their workforce. That's because Spain passed a preliminary measure and is likely to pass a law to reduce the legal working week to 37.5 hours without reducing employee pay. HOLA!
Source: United States (Source) v. Spain (Source)
Links & Resources We Love Right Now
A listen: Rizz is all the rage - that's what the kids say. It stands for “charisma” and Charlie Houpert is a bona fide expert on how to impress others - and get more of what you want - by building your charisma and confidence. Check him out here.
A learn: A study from the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies revealed that leaders who practice authenticity (think: a combo of self-awareness, transparency, and ethical behavior) build higher levels of trust and commitment among employees. This leads to improved job satisfaction and overall organizational success.
A shoutout: Free tools to help people more easefully integrate wellbeing practices in their everyday life. I learned about the app Affirmate from my podcast guest - beautiful!
Something I love: Finally a win for us power nappers - the group of us who love to take a rest during the workday. There are big benefits to brain breaks via a snooze.
