Last week, Australia paused for R U OK? Day – a simple yet powerful reminder to check in on those around us. For me, it reinforced what I see every day through our work with leaders: mental health and wellbeing are not just personal issues; they’re leadership issues.
Building a Culture of Wellbeing
And as we look ahead to World Mental Health Day on October 10, it feels like beautiful timing. In our current Leadership Excellence Program, we’ve just completed two weeks of deep work with leaders on Preventing Burnout and Stress and Building a Culture of Wellbeing. The conversations have been raw, honest, and inspiring – a reminder that when leaders are equipped to support themselves, they’re better able to support their teams.
The World Health Organisation says “there is no health without mental health.” That means leadership must go beyond KPIs and productivity. It’s about creating environments where people can show up as their whole selves, where they can cope with challenges, and where they feel supported in both the good times and the hard ones.
Wellbeing Action Plan
That’s why this week I want to share with you one of the tools we use in our leadership programs – the Wellbeing Action Plan (WAG). It’s a practical, simple framework you can use for yourself (oxygen masks first!) and with your teams.
The Wellbeing Action Plan covers six key areas:
- Identifying Triggers – Knowing the situations that may negatively impact your mental health, like workload or conflict.
- Early Warning Signs – Spotting changes in mood, energy, or behaviour that suggest you might be struggling.
- Support Strategies – Building your toolkit for managing stress, from mindfulness breaks to asking for support.
- Workplace Adjustments – Considering what changes could help you thrive, like flexible hours or workload shifts.
- Support Network – Knowing who you can call on – colleagues, leaders, or external professionals.
- Crisis Management – Having a clear plan if your mental health worsens, including contacts and next steps.
I encourage you to download this resource, use it yourself, and share it with your team. Sometimes, simply having the right conversations and practical steps mapped out can make all the difference.
Because when it comes to leadership, wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s foundational. Leaders who care for themselves create ripple effects of care, resilience, and trust for their teams.
👉 Download your free Wellbeing Action Plan here
✨Because Mental Health Matters✨
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