Keeping Your Team Going When You’re Running on Empty

Resilient Teams When You’re Running on Empty

One of your top team members has resigned, and another is out on extended sick leave. You're left asking yourself, Did I miss the signs? Could I have done more? How much longer can we keep going like this?

In the insurance industry, where pressure is constant and the stakes are high, resilience isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. But resilience doesn’t mean just pushing through at all costs. It’s about finding a way to keep moving forward without burning out.

The Reality of Carrying the Team

As leaders, we’re often not just responsible for meeting our own targets, we feel the weight of our entire team's well-being. Their deadlines, challenges, and pressures land squarely on our shoulders.

When someone burns out, the ripple effect is real. We scramble to pick up the slack, extend our hours, and push to keep clients and stakeholders happy. It’s a never-ending cycle that drains everyone, including us, leaving us running on empty. And we already know that token quick fixes like a wellness seminar or a yoga session won’t solve the deeper issue.

Leading for a Sustainable Future

If your team is already stretched thin, there’s no magic fix to make the pressure vanish. However, what you can do is shift how you and your team approach the challenges.

Start by being upfront. If you’re feeling the strain, chances are your team is, too. Don’t sugarcoat it or pretend everything’s fine. Instead, have an honest conversation about the challenges everyone is facing.

Acknowledging the pressure won’t solve it, but it will create a space where people feel less isolated and more supported. This openness allows for honest discussions and helps prevent someone from silently hitting their breaking point.

From there, it’s about resetting expectations, not by cutting corners, but by recognising what’s realistic right now:

• What absolutely must get done?
• What can wait?
• Where can you give a little without compromising the big picture?

This isn’t about dropping the ball entirely; it’s about knowing which balls can drop for now.

Building Resilience Through Shared Responsibility

Resilience is not just about enduring pressure, it’s about finding ways to adapt and keep moving forward, even when challenges feel overwhelming.

In high-pressure environments, it’s easy to feel like everyone’s fighting their own battles. But as a leader, you have the power to shift the dynamic—acknowledge the weight your team is carrying and work together to find a sustainable way forward.

Take a moment to start those conversations, adjust the expectations, and, if necessary, take a deep breath (or grab a second coffee). You can’t do it alone, but you can lead the way.

Modelling and Leading Through Example

As a leader, your actions set the tone. It’s not just about having conversations or adjusting expectations, it’s about showing your team that resilience can be approached sustainably.

• Lead by Example: Show your team that resilience isn’t about pushing through to burnout. Manage your stress by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and recharging. When they see you prioritising your well-being, they’ll feel encouraged to do the same.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: During high-pressure moments, help your team reframe challenges as opportunities to grow. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, highlight lessons learned and the potential for improvement. A positive outlook can reduce stress and build resilience.
• Recognise and Celebrate Small Wins: In tough times, even small wins matter. Acknowledge achievements like meeting tight deadlines or supporting each other. Celebrating these moments builds morale and reinforces the idea that every effort counts.

?

By leading with resilience, you’ll not only help your team manage through the pressure, but you’ll also create an environment where they can stay focused and continue performing, even when things get tough.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk about how to make managing this pressure more sustainable.

?