The workplace has undergone a significant transformation, as we explored in our last blog. Hybrid and remote work, evolving employee expectations, accelerating technology, and ongoing disruption has created a new leadership reality, one where stability feels fleeting, and the pressure to perform never quite lets up.

If you’re a leader feeling exhausted, overloaded, or like you're always one step behind, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re navigating what Gallup's  latest research refers to as the “manager squeeze.”

Their research, based on over 400,000 surveys across five years, highlights 12 significant shifts reshaping the way we work. What stands out most? The mounting emotional and operational burden leaders are carrying, often while trying to hold space for others' challenges, while navigating their own.

Leaders today are being asked to do more with less, lead through ambiguity, keep teams engaged, and adapt to change, while staying human, empathetic, and grounded.

It’s no wonder burnout is on the rise.

In this blog, we explore practical, human-centered strategies that can help leaders move from a place of constant coping to one of conscious, impactful and sustainable leadership.

Why Leaders Are Burning Out

Gallup’s research paints a clear picture of why so many leaders are struggling right now:

• Constant organizational change - from restructures to strategy pivots, the ground is always shifting.
• Emotional buffer - Leaders frequently serve as emotional buffers, managing team morale and wellbeing while navigating their own pressures. 
• Declining civility and engagement - workplace culture challenges make motivation harder to sustain.
• Customer expectations are rising- especially in the digital space, stretching teams thin.
• Technology is advancing rapidly - AI, automation, and digital tools require continuous learning and adaptation.

And then there’s the invisible layer of managing hybrid teams, aligning with senior leadership, and trying to lead in a way that is inclusive, purposeful, and motivating. All this goes on while leaders themselves can often feel isolated.

5 Ways Leaders Can Lighten the Load

If the above resonates with you, know that there are ways to lead with impact without losing yourself in the process. Here are five ways to lighten the load:

1. Acknowledge the Overwhelm to Move Through It

We can’t address what we won’t admit. Acknowledging your own overwhelm is a powerful first step and a courageous one. Many leaders feel pressure to “keep it all together” for their teams. But honest self-awareness is where resilience begins.

Simple Tip - Block 15 minutes weekly to reflect:

“What’s weighing me down right now?”

“Where am I feeling stuck?”

“Do I have clarity on what is most important?”

2. Focus on Fewer Things That Matter Most

It’s easy to confuse busyness with effectiveness. But in a world full of noise and demands, clarity is your best friend. Leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters most.

Simple Tip - Ask yourself and your team:

“If we only achieved three things this quarter, what would make the biggest difference?”

This not only reduces overwhelm but it also sharpens alignment and focus for your team.

3. Establish Boundaries

Many leaders fall into the trap of being perpetually available, especially in hybrid environments where visibility is harder to measure. But your energy is a finite resource and boundary-setting is a leadership skill.

Simple Tip - Instead of just stepping away, set clear expectations upfront. 

For example:
“I’m offline after 6 PM to reset and be fully present the next day. If something’s urgent, here’s how to reach me.”

This sets a professional tone, normalizes boundary-setting, and empowers your team to do the same without guilt.

4. Establish a Self-Care Routine

High-performing leaders don’t just power through, they prioritize self-care. Whether it’s a morning walk, journaling, creative time, or intentional downtime, doing these activities helps you lead with clarity, not just capacity.

Simple Tip - Audit your calendar:

Where are your white space moments?

Are you scheduling self-care the same way you schedule strategy?

Start small. Even 10 minutes a day can create a ripple effect.

5. Lean into Coaching, Not Control

When overwhelmed, it’s natural to default to control, using tighter oversight. But this often backfires. Coaching-based leadership helps enable your team to share the load by growing your team’s confidence, and decision-making skills so they can pitch in where needed.

Simple Tip - Shift the dialogue:

From “Here’s what you need to do”

To “What options do you see here?”

This creates more empowered teams and gives you more breathing room.

One Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone

The weight of leadership is real. But it doesn’t need to be lonely. Gallup’s data reminds us that while the complexity of management has increased, so has its impact. When leaders are well-supported, everyone benefits. Wellbeing, performance, and culture improve.

Your wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s a business imperative. And it starts with you giving yourself permission to lead differently.

Let’s keep this conversation going. What strategies are you using to stay grounded and effective as a leader? What support or shifts would enable you to lead more effectively and sustainably?

We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact me at 416-560-1806 or send me an email at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca.

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