First, they need space and support to recharge—whether it's getting more sleep or taking a walk in nature. This step back helps calm the nervous system and gain perspective, which is often overlooked in favour of more practical approaches like breaking tasks down. It's also key to ensure they have a clear, organised view of their tasks. Overwhelm often stems from poor task tracking, making a manageable workload feel unmanageable. Once tasks are laid out, prioritisation is often easy and obvious, organically coming from clarity, and if not, then you can help distinguish what needs immediate action from what can wait.

> establish a support network and facilitate knowledge sharing between employees working on similar projects in different departments or organizations > identify areas where additional support and training are needed and optimize project allocation by creating a visual representation of the team's sustainability skills and expertise > break down overwhelming tasks into manageable, time-boxed chunks using Agile sprint methodology specifically for sustainability projects > set up a dedicated space (physical or virtual) so team members can collaborate on sustainable challenges in a low-pressure environment > identify each team member's current workload, skills, and areas of expertise about the sustainability projects assigned.

Another thing I’ve found helpful is to offer support with prioritisation by contextualising their opportunities through the top-down portfolio analysis lens. It’s unlikely any one person could action all the opportunities that are available to them but if we’re prioritising the largest dial movers and either outsourcing or postponing the “tail end”, we’re doing things the right way around.

Be Honest and Transparent Maintain open communication about any challenges or delays. Being transparent about issues fosters trust and allows for collaborative problem-solving, which can mitigate conflicts. Demonstrate Empathy Acknowledge stakeholders' concerns and perspectives. Showing empathy can help build rapport and facilitate smoother negotiations when conflicts arise. Focus on Common Ground Identify shared goals among stakeholders to create a foundation for cooperation. Emphasizing common interests can help reconcile differing expectations and foster collaboration

I would suggest scheduling a one-on-one meeting to discuss their current projects. We can identify specific areas where I can assist, whether it's sharing resources, redistributing tasks among the team, or providing guidance on management strategies. I must ensure that they feel supported and less overwhelmed by engaging with them, and together we can develop a manageable plan moving forward.