When You’re Running on Empty: Keeping Up Morale

READ TIME - 4 MINUTES

"How are you holding up?" asked Zoe as she set down a tray of coffees in the meeting room.

"Yesterday was back-to-back meetings, 200 emails, and a crisis at 4:45 pm. I’m cooked,” replied Musa, managing a tired smile. "Honestly, I think we’re all running on fumes. It’s just… so much at once."

Zoe nodded. "I get it. June is always a slog. But we can’t let the wheels fall off now."

Musa stretched. "Any ideas for keeping the team going without burning everyone out?"

Let’s be real, sometimes the pressure at this time of year is insane, and it’s easy to put your own well-being last when you’re focused on supporting others.

But your energy, mindset, and example set the tone for those around you.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you recharge and help your team do the same - even when it feels like there’s no time.

Strategy 1: Small Wins, Big Impact

What it is:

This approach is about actively recognising and celebrating progress, yours and your team’s.

Even minor achievements deserve a moment in the spotlight.

Why it’s important:

Acknowledging progress gives you a psychological boost and reminds your team that their efforts matter.

It helps prevent burnout and keeps everyone motivated, even when the finish line feels far away.

When you celebrate your own wins, you also model healthy habits for your team - and reinforce that it’s safe to feel good even when things are intense.

How to do it:

  • At the end of each day, jot down one thing you accomplished, no matter how small. Encourage your teammates to do the same.

  • Share those small wins in your team chat or meetings. A quick “Legend!” or “Thanks for stepping up!” goes a long way.

  • Visualise progress: Use a whiteboard to showcase what’s been ticked off.

Pro tip: Keep a “done” list alongside your own to-do list for a visual reminder of progress. Presence builds momentum. Celebrate where your energy went, not just what’s next.

Extra pro tip: No, people aren’t going to think you’re a wanker if you take the lead, set the tone and model what it’s like to celebrate small wins.

Strategy 2: Reset and Refocus

What it is:

This one’s all about giving yourself permission to regularly pause, reassess, and clarify what really matters right now.

It’s equally powerful for you and your team.

Why it’s important:

When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of priorities - and to wear yourself out trying to hold it all.

A deliberate reset helps you clarify and conserve energy for what counts, reduces overwhelm, and sets a positive example for others to do the same.

Energy flows where attention goes, so being intentional about where you focus is one of the most effective leadership tools you’ve got.

How to do it:

  • Take five minutes each morning to review your priorities. Ask what genuinely needs your attention today, and what can wait?

  • Encourage your teammates to “save for later” anything non-essential, and give yourself that same permission.

  • Schedule a post-EOFY celebration and invite everyone. Having something to look forward to is a powerful motivator.

  • Communicate openly when you’re shifting your own priorities, and invite your team to do the same. Transparency helps everyone breathe a little easier.

Pro tip: Remind yourself (and your team) that “80% done” is better than “100% perfect” right now. Choose completion over perfection, especially when energy is low.

Extra pro tip: Try a “Now, Next, Later” list. At the start of each week (or day!), sort your tasks into three columns:

Now: Absolutely must be done today/this week.

Next: Important, but can wait until the current crunch eases.

Later: Safe to park until July or when things settle.

This approach makes it easy to see what needs immediate focus and gives you (and your team) permission to consciously defer lower-priority items, no fancy colour coding or tech required, just clear priorities.

The Bottom Line

This time of year can be super busy, but you don’t have to run on empty.

By recognising your own wins, resetting your focus, and modelling these habits for your team, you’ll keep morale up and make it through the crunch smiling.

That’s it for this week.

Next Tuesday, we’ll tackle how to handle those last-minute changes that always seem to pop up at the end of June. Don’t miss it!

See you then,

Team EVER




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Kate Byrne