Leadership is a catch-all label that encompasses an ever-broadening and fluid spectrum of responsibilities. Yes, a leader is someone who navigates challenges with resilience and vision, but they’re also someone who listens, someone who gives constructive feedback, and someone who creates space for innovation.
The multifaceted nature of the role means that, when leadership is discussed, we often all hold varying perceptions of what it means—which is to be expected. But how often does vulnerability come to mind? How often do we picture a leader who acknowledges moments of doubt or struggle?
This is one of the glaring cracks in the foundation of corporate culture today. We think of leaders as professionals who balance conflicting priorities, address team dysfunction, and determine the future direction of the organization—but we forget they’re also people who feel weighed down by the pressure to have everything under control.
So, how do we create change? It starts with open dialogue. The more leaders discuss their struggles, challenges, and doubts, the more our outlook on leadership expands, and the more natural it is for executive teams to bring their full selves to work.
We’ll get to the details of driving change soon, but first, let’s explore the importance of normalizing mental health in the workplace.
What is Transparent Leadership?
Transparency in leadership means being open and honest with your team. With regards to mental health, specifically, it means embracing the reality that no one is immune to personal challenges—not even those at the top. Transparent leaders foster a culture where mental health conversations are normalized, and people feel safe to share how they’re doing without fear of judgment or negative consequences.
The Connection Between Leadership and Mental Health Challenges
Leadership responsibilities, like decision-making, managing team dynamics, and meeting high expectations, tend to increase stress levels and put executive team members at an increased risk of poor mental health.
The numbers below offer additional context for this trend:
- 55% of CEOs say they’ve had a mental health issue within the past year.
- 82% of CEOs report experiencing severe exhaustion or burnout symptoms.
- 40% of C-suite executives have considered quitting their jobs due to work-related stress.
- 7 in 10 senior-level employees say they have not received workplace training regarding how to talk to their team about mental health.
- Depression rates among executives are double that of the general public.
Why Leaders Should Talk About Mental Health
Many leaders suffer in silence due to harmful narratives about mental wellness and workplace performance. Despite plenty of evidence showing mental health conditions can be managed successfully with appropriate support, there’s still the misconception that poor mental health means an individual is incapable of meeting the expectations of their role.
Here’s how transparent leadership can create meaningful change in how mental health is viewed and addressed in the workplace:
1. It Reduces Stigma
When leaders share their own mental health ups and downs, it normalizes the conversation for everyone. Suddenly, the walls of shame come down, and employees start to feel safer, more understood, and supported. This is how we create an empowering corporate culture where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole, authentic selves to work, and where mental health is embraced as part of the journey—not seen as an obstacle.
2. It Promotes Healthy Coping Skills
Coping under pressure is rarely as simple as it sounds, but when leaders communicate openly during times of crisis and practice emotional regulation, it motivates other team members to do the same. Even small moments of transparency, like sending a quick email to your team saying, “I understand this situation is tough, and I’m here for you all if you need to talk,” can strengthen collective resilience in a meaningful and significant way.
3. It Directly Impacts Productivity
Did you know companies that prioritize transparent leadership and open communication are 3.5X more likely to outperform competitors? That’s a serious advantage that positions your business for long-term success.
We also know that organizations with transparent leaders see a 22% boost in productivity, due to higher employee engagement rates.
These numbers prove that being honest about the mental health of senior leaders, and working together to create a supportive work environment, not only boosts morale but generates lasting, measurable results in terms of operational success.
How to Practice Transparency in Leadership
There are plenty of ways to put transparency into action as a leader while normalizing mental health. Below are some of the most impactful examples:
- Promote work-life balance. It’s important for those in positions of authority to acknowledge, out loud, that work isn’t (and shouldn’t be) someone’s entire world. It sets the standard that well-being matters and that it’s okay to take time for personal needs.
- Call out toxic behaviors. When leaders quickly address issues like gossip, exclusion, or passive aggression, they show their team those behaviors won’t be ignored—building a culture of trust and openness, rather than an environment of tension or hostility.
- Show appreciation when others speak up. When a team member shares a tough week or asks for help, take a moment to recognize their courage. Thank them for being honest and let them know you appreciate their openness. It proves you’re committed to actively supporting the mental health of your team.
- Include mental health in company policies. By explicitly stating your commitment to mental health, you eliminate ambiguity, ensuring all employees understand their rights and resources when it comes to managing their well-being.
- Empower senior management with mental health training. They’ll gain a wealth of valuable knowledge and skills, from how to respond during a crisis, to conflict resolution, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying mental health struggles before they escalate.
Ready to Lead By Example? We Can Help.
Ditch the dull lectures and dive into real, impactful conversations that serve as catalysts for change. Our mental health training courses equip you to champion well-being, boost resilience, and become the inspiring leader your team deserves.