I Read a Comment the Other Day—and It Made Me Think…
“Your manager has more impact on your mental health than your therapist or doctor.”
It was a passing comment on a leadership forum, but it stopped me in my tracks.
As professionals, we often talk about mental health in the context of personal resilience, work-life balance, and support systems outside the workplace. But rarely do we acknowledge the critical truth: the person we report to—the individual responsible for guiding, supporting, and evaluating our work—can profoundly influence how we feel about ourselves, our careers, and our capacity to thrive.
In leadership roles, particularly at the executive level, this insight becomes even more pressing. People don’t just work for companies; they work for leaders. And those leaders have the potential to either cultivate empowered, high-performing individuals—or quietly erode confidence, creativity, and wellbeing.
This post is a call to conscious leadership. Because being a good leader doesn’t just drive results. It can change lives.
The Science of Leadership & Mental Health
Research consistently shows that the way leaders interact with their teams has a direct impact on employee wellbeing. Your daily actions—how you communicate, provide feedback, show up in meetings, and make decisions—send powerful signals that shape the emotional climate of your workplace.
When individuals feel unsupported, undervalued, or micromanaged, stress levels rise. This leads to reduced focus, lower motivation, and diminished performance. Conversely, leaders who foster trust, clarity, and empathy create psychologically safe environments—spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to perform at their best.
Great leadership doesn’t just drive results—it builds cultures where people can grow, contribute meaningfully, and maintain their mental and emotional health along the way.
Are You a Positive Influence? A Quick Leadership Check-In
Here are five high-performance leadership questions worth asking yourself today:
✅ Am I consistent in my expectations, feedback, and communication? Unpredictability breeds anxiety. Clear, consistent leadership builds trust.
✅ Do I coach more than I control? Executives who ask, “How can I support you?” rather than “Why didn’t this get done?” foster autonomy and engagement.
✅ Do I notice and acknowledge effort, not just outcomes? Recognition fuels motivation. Small affirmations make a big difference.
✅ Am I available without being overbearing? Presence matters. Your team should know you’re accessible and invested—without feeling micromanaged.
✅ Have I built a culture where it’s safe to speak up? Psychological safety isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of mental health in the workplace.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Today’s high-performing professionals are seeking more than just career progression—they’re seeking purpose, balance, and wellbeing. The most respected leaders of this decade will be those who integrate emotional intelligence with executive function.
Your leadership has the power to influence not only business success, but human success. It is one of the most underestimated mental health tools your team members will ever experience.
At Laurence Executive Recruitment, we believe executive leadership isn’t just about skill—it’s about impact. We partner with organisations to place emotionally intelligent leaders who uplift culture, performance, and people.
So next time you’re reviewing your KPIs, take a moment to review your impact on mental health too. It may be the most important metric you’ll ever manage.
