When the Ones Who Lead Are Running on Empty
Leadership is often painted as strength — vision, resilience, drive.
But what happens when the people who lead, motivate, and inspire everyone else… have nothing left in the tank?
The Hidden Burnout Behind the Leadership Smile
Leaders are expected to be steady — the ones who “hold it together.” But behind closed doors, many are struggling with exhaustion, decision fatigue, and the quiet guilt of not being okay.
They’re running on empty — still showing up, still pushing through, because that’s what leaders do.
But at what cost?
The Pressure to Stay Strong
In Australian workplaces, we often celebrate leaders who can handle pressure. We admire their endurance, their “can-do” attitude. Yet that same culture of toughness can make it hard for leaders to admit when they’re not coping.
They worry:
What will my team think if I say I’m struggling?
What if I’m seen as not capable enough?
I can’t take a break — everyone depends on me.
And so, they keep going. Until they can’t.
Burnout Isn’t a Leadership Requirement
Leadership burnout doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a slow depletion. The small skipped lunches, the after-hours emails, the emotional labour of caring for others while ignoring your own needs.
When leaders burn out, it doesn’t just affect them — it impacts the culture, engagement, and wellbeing of everyone around them.
That’s why it’s time we stop seeing burnout as a side effect of leadership and start treating it as a warning sign of an unhealthy system.
How We Can Change the Story
Supporting leaders’ mental health isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a business necessity. Here’s where organisations can start:
Normalize honesty. Encourage leaders to share when they’re overwhelmed without fear of judgment.
Build peer support networks. Leadership can be lonely; connection makes it less so.
Offer MHFA and RFA training. These programs help leaders feel more confident in managing not only their team’s mental health but also their own boundaries.
Model balance at the top. Senior leaders who take time to rest set the tone that it’s okay for others to do the same.
Leading with Humanity
The truth is, people don’t need flawless leaders — they need real ones. Leaders who are human enough to say, “I’m not at my best today,” and brave enough to seek support before they hit the wall.
Because when the ones who lead are cared for, everyone thrives.