Be the calmer chameleon: 5 leadership tips for managing stress

You may not realise it, but Boy George’s Karma Chameleon reveals the secret to dealing with workplace stress. Rather than constantly worrying over success or failure, accept that fortune ‘comes and goes’ despite our best-laid plans, writes our health and wellbeing correspondent, Andrew Horn

As leaders, we are entrusted with shaping the culture, success, and future of our organisations. But the pressures to deliver results and to manage multiple tasks and individuals can and does lead to stress and anxiety. For many, this leads to breakdowns and ill health.

Experts offer a variety of ways to reduce stress in the workplace; I’ve done the same. But there is one ancient wisdom that can help above all others: karma. While karma traditionally focuses on the idea that actions have consequences, in leadership, it can also mean understanding the need for flexibility and adaptability in order to respond effectively to the dynamic and interconnected nature of business. This adaptability, or chameleon-like flexibility, is key to managing stress in all its forms.

Karma, which translates to “work” or “action,” teaches us that every decision we make has consequences. This concept encourages leaders to be aware of how their actions influence the workplace, teams, and the broader world. At the same time, karma implies that leaders must be responsive to the specific contexts they face, making necessary adjustments to their approach. Just like a chameleon changes colour to adapt to its environment, leaders can harness the wisdom of karma by adapting their leadership style to suit the situation, while maintaining integrity and ethical standards.

While flexibility is important, karma is also about acting with integrity. This consistency in values provides a steady foundation that employees can rely on, no matter how much the external environment changes. Karma teaches us that our actions should be mindful of their long-term impact, which means integrity and responsibility are non-negotiable. Yet, in different situations, the way we lead may require a shift in approach to best suit the circumstances.

For example, a leader might need to adopt a more directive, assertive style during a crisis but shift to a more collaborative and supportive approach during team-building efforts. Being mindful of the different needs of various situations, while staying true to one’s ethical core, is the essence of leading with integrity through karma.

Karma emphasises accountability, too. Leaders must own the results of their decisions. This accountability should extend beyond individual leaders to their teams, creating a culture where everyone is responsible for their actions.

This doesn’t mean rigidly sticking to one (and only one) approach when circumstances change. Instead, it means accepting responsibility for the effects of our leadership decisions and being flexible enough to adjust when needed. For example, if a strategy does not get the expected results, a karmic leader would take ownership, reassess the approach, and adapt accordingly – embracing both success and failure as learning opportunities.

On a day-to-day basis, leaders frequently face the temptation to rush decisions or become fixated on immediate outcomes. Karma teaches detachment from results, reminding leaders to focus on doing the right thing without obsessing over the consequences. Practising patience allows leaders to take the time to assess situations thoroughly and make better decisions.

But the principle of detachment in karma does not imply passivity or disengagement. It calls for flexibility in response to challenges. A leader may need to shift their approach based on evolving circumstances, but detaching from personal attachment to specific outcomes reduces stress and helps maintain clarity. The key is being adaptable – taking a step back when necessary, recalibrating, and remaining open to new solutions.

One of the greatest karmic investments leaders can make is in the growth and development of their people. When employees are empowered with opportunities for learning, they thrive, and so does the organisation. But just as karma involves responding to the needs of the moment, leadership must adapt to the individual learning styles and career goals of team members.

A leader who is aware of the unique strengths and development areas of each employee will adjust their approach accordingly. Some might need more guidance and mentorship, while others might flourish with greater autonomy. Recognising and adapting to these individual needs, while continuing to support overall growth, ensures that every team member is equipped to contribute to the organisation’s success.

Here are 5 simple ways that leaders can be calmer chameleons and use karma to their corporate advantage:

1. Lead by example with integrity – set the standard for ethical behaviour, transparency, and fairness, while adapting your approach to fit different situations.

2. Create a culture of accountability – encourage ownership of actions, but adjust your approach depending on the team or situation.

3. Encourage collaboration over competition – build teamwork, but be flexible when a competitive mindset is necessary for individual performance.

4. Practice patience and detachment – be flexible in your approach to challenges while staying focused on long-term goals and outcomes.

5. Invest in employee development – adapt your leadership to support the unique growth needs of each individual, ensuring they reach their potential.

Author Andrew Horn, the son of the great neuroscientist Sir Gabriel Horn and grandson of the socialist peer Baron Soper, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on traditional Indian and Sanskrit drama whose English translation of the epic 16th-Century Vidagdha Madhava by Rupa Goswami is considered the most accurate ever published. Despite his notable lineage, Andrew chose a different path, becoming a Hare Krishna monk for 20 years. During this time, he was given the name ‘Arjundas Adhikari’, signifying devotion to the hero Arjuna from the Mahabharata. He also appeared on Top of the Pops with Boy George for the singer’s 1991 hit, Bow Down Mister.

Main image, courtesyAlexander Dummer/Pexels