Finding Balance in Leadership

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with countless leaders. Some came into the role with great vision and energy, others were seasoned by experience but still driven by purpose. But there is one thing I have seen that unites them all, the pressure of leadership can wear you down. Lisa Bodell’s article titled “Burnout: The Silent Struggle of the Strong” reminds us that burnout does not discriminate. Whether in the C-suite or leading a small team, the weight can become overwhelming if you do not care for yourself.

I have witnessed it first hand, leaders who start with passion, but slowly, the constant demands of their role leave them empty, exhausted, and questioning their ability to continue. I have been there myself, and I know how quickly burnout can creep in, masked as just another busy day. The truth is, if we are not careful, we can go from being the lifeblood of our organisation to running on fumes.

Leadership is often romanticised. We think of leaders as superheroes, unshakable and always on. But I have learned that great leadership does not come from superhuman strength; it comes from sustainable energy. It comes from the ability to lead with clarity, compassion, and resilience, which means we need to take care of ourselves just as much as we care for others.

Robyn Engelson, Keynote Speaker and Burnout Recovery Coach for Women Leaders, said that leadership burnout does not look like you are crying in the hallway or collapsing at your desk. Sometimes, it looks like the manager who is constantly overbooked, running from meeting to meeting without time to breathe. It can look like the executive who cannot sleep at night because the weight of their decisions feels too heavy to carry. Or it is the leader who keeps pushing forward, but inside, their spark is slowly dimming, and they feel disconnected from their teams.

Burnout might feel like an individual struggle, but it is never just about you. According to an article in Focus wise, when a leader burns out, the consequences are felt throughout the entire organisation. The culture starts to shift. Trust erodes. Productivity falters. I have seen it happen time and again, leaders who are burnt out tend to micromanage, overcompensate, or withdraw completely. When leaders do not have the energy to connect with their teams, those teams lose their drive.

I remember a conversation I had with a manager who was showing signs of burnout. She was brilliant, driven, and had taken on more than any one person should. After listening to her frustrations, I asked, “What would happen if you gave yourself permission to rest?” She paused, almost as if she had never considered that option. We often feel like our worth is tied to our productivity, but the truth is, we are most effective when we are rested, centred, and whole.

If we are not careful, we end up modelling unhealthy work habits for our teams. When leaders do not rest, they teach their teams that rest is not necessary, and burnout becomes inevitable for everyone. And that is a road no one wants to go down.

I firmly believe leadership is not just about pushing yourself to the limit. It is about finding a sustainable rhythm where you can lead with vision, passion, and purpose over the long haul. A leader who rests does not lose their edge; they sharpen it. A leader who takes time for reflection does not become detached; they become more connected to their mission, their team, and their purpose. True leadership is about balance.

Jon Macaskill, retired Navy Seal Commander and Influencer said that we do not need to lead like martyrs. Leadership is not about sacrificing yourself for the sake of your organisation. It is about guiding, inspiring, and empowering others, all while honouring the unique needs of your well-being. When we create time for rest, for renewal, we come back stronger, more creative, and better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way.

If you are feeling the weight of burnout, you are not alone. Leadership is challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding pursuits you can undertake. The good news is that it is never too late to start afresh. You are reminded by Tricia Hersey that you are worthy of rest. You are deserving of care. It is time to take a step back and consider what it would mean to lead from a place of wholeness rather than exhaustion.