A Leader on the Brink
A few years ago I became aware that I was depleted emotionally and in my energy. I decided to get help and underwent some mentoring by skilled professionals in this area. I was still able to function fairly well as a leader one of the symptoms of potential burnout was how I was reacting to emotional events. When you are healthy the kind of things that trigger big reactions are the life changing ones like the death of a parent, best friend, and other things like traffic lights going red on you or being cut up on the road should be much lower on the scale. Except when you are emotionally compromised it reverses things that should produce seismic emotional responses like the death on my friend hardly register but my irritability at the mundane slights was magnified out of all proportion.
Some of this may resonate with you. If left unchecked it will impact your leadership influence and effectiveness. Your team will wonder who is in your chair and morale and productivity will suffer. A simple maxim helps me stay on track: “You can’t give away what you don’t possess.” As a leader you have to make sure your cup is full so you can give your best as you lead.
Are You Running on Empty? A Simple Diagnostic:
Leadership burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow erosion, and often, you don’t realise you are running on fumes until you break down. Here are some questions to assess where you are:
- Do you wake up already feeling exhausted before the day begins?
- Have you lost the joy you once had in leading?
- Are small challenges feeling overwhelming?
- Have you noticed increased irritability or emotional numbness?
- Is your team’s energy mirroring your own low levels?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, it’s time to take action. You cannot lead well if you are constantly depleted. Your team needs a leader who is present, engaged, and energised.
Five Ways to Refill Your Emotional and Energy Tank
1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, scheduling breaks, and incorporating recovery time into your routine. Just as athletes train and rest in cycles, leaders must do the same.
2. Discover What Energises You
What lifts you up? For some, it’s getting outside in nature; for others, it’s reading, music, or creative pursuits. Identify the activities that replenish you and make them non-negotiable in your schedule.
3. Connect with People Who Refill You
Leadership can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Surround yourself with people who bring you life—mentors, peers, friends, and family. Engage in conversations that fuel rather than drain you.
4. Build Rhythms of Reflection
One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to step back regularly. Whether it’s a personal retreat, journaling, or dedicated reflection time, creating space to think and process will help you lead with clarity.
5. Revisit Your ‘Why’
Burnout often comes when we lose sight of why we lead in the first place. Take time to reconnect with your purpose. Remind yourself of the impact you want to have and the values that drive you. What is your passion?
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
There is not a quick fix when you are depleted, but every journey starts with the first step. Refueling as a leader requires you to be intentional and consistent. For your sake, and the sake of those you lead, do something about it.
You cannot pour into others if your own cup is empty. The best gift you can give your team is a leader who is healthy, engaged, and ready to lead with vision and energy. Start today—your team, your mission, and your future self will thank you for it.
