Change Fatigue Is Real. Here’s How to Lead When Everyone’s Tired, Including You.

Let’s not sugarcoat it.

People are tired. Not the 'I could use a nap' kind of tired. We’re talking bone-deep, email-weary, decision-fatigued, Zoomed-out exhaustion. And yes, that includes you.

Change fatigue is sneaky. It doesn’t show up with a neon sign. It creeps in slowly. A few missed deadlines. A drop in energy. A team that used to be fiery now just... smolders. And one day you realize even your own spark feels dimmer than usual.

So how do you lead when everyone is running on fumes?

1. Name It Without Blaming It

Start by calling it what it is. Change fatigue isn’t a failure of resilience. It’s a very real response to prolonged disruption without enough space to recover. Acknowledging it opens the door for honest conversations and meaningful support.

2. Focus on What’s Steady

When everything around you feels uncertain, lean into what’s still solid. Maybe it’s your team’s shared values. Maybe it’s your mission. Maybe it’s the one dependable meeting that actually ends on time. In shaky times, stability matters.

3. Adjust the Pace Without Lowering the Bar

You don’t have to lower your standards. You do need to reassess the speed. Pushing harder won’t help if everyone’s already stretched. Rethink timelines. Simplify when possible. Create room to breathe without sacrificing purpose.

4. Lead with Humanity, Not Hype

This isn’t the season for empty cheerleading. Your team doesn’t need motivational posters. They need presence. Be real. Be transparent. Show that you're in it with them. That kind of leadership is far more powerful than pretending to have it all together.

5. Protect Your Own Spark

If you're burned out, your leadership dims. You cannot pour from a dry cup. Take breaks. Delegate when you can. Protect your boundaries like your future depends on it because it does.

Here’s the truth:

Sustained leadership in changing times starts with sustainable habits.

You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to recalibrate. And no, that doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.

This week’s reflection:

• What signs of fatigue have been showing up for you or your team?

• What’s one thing you can change this week to make room for recovery?

Coming next: Week 3 – “Adaptability Isn’t About Being Chill. It’s About Being Clear, Consistent, and Courageous.”