Client Resource Center

Overcoming Leadership Fatigue

By Kevin Eikenberry

Leading is hard enough in "normal" times -- and is even more difficult in today's challenging times. Dealing with supply chain disruptions, viruses, economic changes, and shifts in expectations, needs, and demands can drive leaders to exhaustion. A big challenge can create a spike in engagement and focus, but no one can survive solely on adrenaline for long. Chances are good that most of today's leaders are experiencing at least some leadership fatigue. However:

  • A leader who is fatigued can't do their best work for any sustained amount of time.
  • A leader who isn't at their best can't give their best to the team - and they deserve it.

It's critical for leaders to overcome their exhaustion. Here's how.

Step 1: Acknowledge It

The last two years have been hard for all leaders (and not just as leaders -- as humans, too!). Saying "I'm fatigued" doesn't make someone less of a leader. Until someone admits that they have at least some leadership fatigue, they have no chance of overcoming it. In short, denial isn't a good strategy.

Step 2: Deal with the Achiever Mindset

Leaders have a better than average chance of having an achiever's mindset: they are motivated to succeed, are goal oriented, and have high expectations of themselves. Usually they are wonderful traits, but that achiever's mindset can become an Achilles heel, especially when a leader fails to see their own exhaustion or the effects it is having on their abilities:

  • "I can work past this fatigue -- I have too much to do."
  • "I have done this before. I just need to work harder."
  • "What is wrong with me? I just need to focus."
  • "Fatigue? I'm not fatigued. I'm fine."

Although having an achiever's mindset can serve someone well, in these cases it is getting in their way. For a leader to achieve at their highest levels (to their own expectations and to help their team succeed), they need to "get over themself" and admit when they are fatigued and not at their best.

Step 3: Recognize Fatigue Types and Levels

Not all fatigue is created the same. There are many different varieties (e.g., daily fatigue, chronic fatigue, psychological fatigue, clinically defined fatigue), which can be measured on a fatigue scale. Many people (especially leaders with an achiever's mindset) tend to think of fatigue as binary: either someone has it or they don't. But the reality is far more nuanced than that. Rather than "Am I fatigued?" better questions to ask include "How fatigued am I?" and "To what degree is fatigue affecting my performance?" By shifting the focus from the presence of fatigue to the level of fatigue, leaders stop being in denial and can start solving the problem.

Step 4: Take Action

Get more sleep. The number one way to reduce fatigue (both in the short term and in the long term) is to get more quality sleep. This one change can have a tremendous positive effect on a person's mood, emotions, and productivity.

Take more breaks. Possibilities include a ten-minute walking break, a real lunch break, and a shift in what someone is currently working on -- there are plenty of ways to take a break, and none of which mean that someone is being lazy or unproductive.

Find fulfillment. Do more of the things that bring rejuvenation and enjoyment -- reading, doing a hobby, having a regular chat with a friend, etc. -- and do more of those things.

When fatigue becomes chronic or unmanageable, a leader may need help from a doctor or specialist to help them regain their ability to lead and live healthier lives. But for most people, leadership fatigue can be managed by being aware of it and taking certain steps to mitigate it.


About the author:

Kevin Eikenberry is the chief potential officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning consulting company that has been helping organizations, teams, and individuals reach their potential since 1993. His specialties include leadership, teams and teamwork, organizational culture, facilitating change, and organizational learning. He can be reached at info@kevineikenberry.com.