Leadership is demanding whether you’re at the forefront of a small business or a major enterprise. As a result, it’s normal at times to feel the burn from all your responsibilities. But, even when exhaustion is creeping in, your team is still depending on you for guidance and support. How do you continue to lead effectively when you’re exhausted? Here are some strategies to keep in mind when you’re running on empty.
Don’t Ignore It, Acknowledge Your Burnout
Pushing through without addressing the root cause of burnout can lead to issues with your team’s performance, as well as your own physical and mental health. That’s why admitting you’re struggling is the first step in dealing with leadership burnout. Doing so doesn’t make you less of a leader; it makes you human.
So, take some time to reflect on why you’re feeling this way. Whether it’s a heavy workload, a lack of work-life balance, or emotional stress, identifying the cause can help you work toward dealing with it
Make Self-Care a Priority
Leadership doesn’t mean sacrificing your own well-being for the sake of the team. In fact, taking care of yourself is essential for effective leadership. This means:
- Scheduling breaks
- Taking vacations
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating well and stating hydrated
- Finding ways to recharge, such as with hobbies you enjoy or spending time with family or friends
- Adding exercise or meditation to your regular routine
Taking care of your mental and physical health sets a positive example for your team and ensures that you’re able to give your best when you’re on the job.
Set Boundaries
Burnout can often happen due to lack of clear boundaries. Work bleeds into your personal life and you’re constantly on call, 24/7. As a leader, it’s understandable to feel obligated to stay connected at all times. But as a human, this isn’t healthy and can lead to exhaustion.
Avoid this by setting limits on your work hours and communicating those boundaries to your employees. Encourage them to do the same. When everyone has clear expectations, it becomes easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout down the line.
Delegate Responsibilities
Even though you’re in charge, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Look to your team and see where tasks and projects can be delegated. This not only lightens your load but empowers them to step up and take on more responsibilities, leading to their growth and development.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage your team to be open and honest about burnout and workload pressures. This does not mean going into great detail about your own struggles. However, it does mean creating an open environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported during tough times. Fostering open communication will also create more empathy and camaraderie within your team, ultimately cultivating a stronger bond and improved teamwork.
Celebrate Small Wins
When you’re burned out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by tight deadlines, big projects, and mission-critical, company-wide goals. Rather than stressing about the long term, though, look at the small wins you and your team have along the way and celebrate them. This will help you regain a sense of progress and accomplishment, boosting morale in the process.
Hand Off Staffing to an Experienced Agency in Phoenix
Leading while burned out is a challenge. If part of the problem is a staff that’s stretched too thin, let PrideStaff help. As a leading staffing agency serving businesses of all sizes across Phoenix, AZ, we connect companies with talented, hard-working professionals. We’re experts in sourcing, screen, interviewing, and staffing, helping you win big as you’re building your team. Get started today!
