Exhausted Leaders: How to Lead in Distressing Times

When tired, we operate out of an exhausted brain.  An exhausted brain is one that will shift into “fight or flight” state when we are exhausted.  This means that we will lead through reaction and instinct, rather than the use of wisdom and sound judgement.  As we become more tired, we: 

• Learns less – A tired brain doesn’t learn very well 
• Overreact – A tired brain can exacerbate a situation  
• Under react – A tired brain makes us lose focus or “not care” about things we should care about 
• Get angry quicker – A tired brain has reduced patience and will respond in anger 
• Fosters Fear – A tired brain will create increased amounts of fear that things are falling apart when they really aren’t 
• Need for “flight” – A tired brain seeks an escape. This can lead to overeating, over drinking, and sexual temptations 
• Deflate our self-worth – A tired brain can make us feel unworthy, not good enough  
• Withdraw – A tired brain wants us to withdraw from our family, friends, and team both physically and emotionally 
• Criticize – A tired brain makes us see things more in a more negative light 

In the end, an exhausted brain does not serve to enhance your leadership skills. Taking time to acknowledge your fatigue helps others to see you as human and more relatable. Asking for help and realizing that you as a leader cannot do it all will not only help preserve your well-being but also allows for others to see your authenticity. 

By Carolyn Wright-Hérard, Ph.D.