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Leading a Team When You Are Burned Out

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Leading a Team When You Are Burned Out

As a manager, you’re in charge of employee performance and your overall team results. It can be a lot to handle and can lead to tension and anxiety. 

If you’re feeling the burn from this constant level of pressure, as a result, then how can you handle it while you manage your team? Here are some tips for keeping your team on track when you’re burned out:

How to Lead a Team When You Are Burned Out

Start to focus on your own health.

If you’re not eating well, or don’t exercise, or get enough sleep, then this can contribute to your feeling of burnout and stress. While you might not think you have enough time to focus on your own health and well-being, it’s actually critical if you want to remain successful on the job. 

If you’re stressed, your team will pick up on it and it can impact morale and productivity significantly. So, take the time to focus on your own health, both mental and physical, from healthy eating and exercise to taking breaks and vacations, working to improve both.

Talk to your team about stress management

If your team is feeling stressed, then it’s no wonder, considering the past few years and the difficulties that have been posed by a worldwide pandemic. It’s therefore important to bring them to light, not just for yourself, but all those on your team. 

There are probably people on your staff who feel the same and talking about it can share the burden and lighten the load for everyone. It will help keep stress in check, and strengthen bonds and camaraderie, while helping you remain accountable for taking care of yourself. 

Be compassionate with yourself and others

Don’t get angry or frustrated with yourself or others if you’re having issues with stress. It’s a normal part of life and something most people are weathering due to the pandemic and the many challenges it has raised. 

Even during normal times, everyone is susceptible to it. The best attitude to have is to accept it and be compassionate with yourself and others who are facing it. We all live in an imperfect world and a little empathy and kindness will go a long way.

Be a good model of behavior

If you’re stressed and losing your cool in front of your employees, you’re not setting a good example. Likewise, if you’re flustered, easily angered, and running from meeting to meeting, your team will begin to question whether you have what it takes to be a strong leader. It’s why managing your own stress and reducing anxiety are key to being a successful leader.

Need help adding to your team to overcome burnout? 

Turn to Gill Staffing, one of West Michigan’s leading staffing agencies. We can take some of the stress off your plate and handle the hiring process for you. You can get the talented and dependable people you need, faster and more efficiently. Simply contact us today to learn more.