How to Lead When You Are Burned Out Yourself

Leaders are often described as the anchor in the storm, the steady presence their team can count on when things are hard. That role matters. But anchors wear down too, and many leaders are running on empty. Deloitte found that 40% of managers report a decline in their mental health after becoming managers.

If you are a leader and you feel exhausted, short-tempered or numb about work you used to care about, you are not alone, and it does not mean you are failing. It means you need to take care of yourself so you can keep taking care of others.

Be honest with yourself

Many leaders push through burnout because admitting it feels like weakness. But ignoring it usually makes it worse, and it shows up in ways your team notices: less patience, slower decisions and less energy for the conversations that matter. Naming it, even just to yourself, is the first step.

Narrow your focus

When you are depleted, you cannot do everything. Choose the few priorities that truly matter right now and give yourself permission to let other things slow down. Spotlight, not floodlight. Talk with your own manager about what can wait. See When There Is More Work Than Your Team Can Handle.

Delegate and let others step up

Burnout often comes from carrying too much yourself. Delegating is not only a relief for you. It is a growth opportunity for your team. Give people real ownership of projects and decisions, and trust them to handle it. You may find they were ready for more than you realized. See How to Delegate Effectively.

Tell someone and accept support

Talk with someone you trust: your manager, a mentor or a peer who leads too. You may be surprised how many people have been through the same thing. If burnout is affecting your sleep, health or relationships, talk with a doctor or counselor. Taking care of yourself is part of leading well, not a distraction from it.

Be honest with your team, at the right level

You do not need to share everything, but you also do not need to pretend. Saying something like, it has been a heavy season and I am working on pacing myself, models healthy behavior and gives your team permission to do the same. Vulnerable leaders often build more trust, not less. See How to Be Vulnerable as a Leader.

Protect what refills you

Notice what gives you energy and protect it: exercise, sleep, time with family, time outside, a hobby. I wrote my book in the gaps of a busy life, at the gym and between my kids’ games, and I have learned that those routines are not luxuries. They are what make the rest possible.

Taking care of the people who take care of others is part of my keynote, You Are Capable of a Better Culture. See also How to Reduce Burnout on Your Team.