You’re holding a lot - here’s how to hold less.
If you’re the one your team turns to when everything shifts - this is for you. Change doesn’t just challenge your team, it stretches you. As a public sector manager, you hold a lot: pressure from above, emotions from below, and the invisible thread keeping things steady. Here’s how to lead in a way that sustains your team and yourself.
The Emotional Load of Change Leadership
In a world of restructuring, budget constraints, and rising expectations, the pressure to deliver change well is enormous.
But here’s the thing:
People don’t burn out because they don’t care.
They burn out because they care deeply - and don’t feel equipped.
Related: Modelling Resilient Thinking Without Hiding Manager Struggles
Leading Change Isn’t About Certainty - It’s About Clarity
You don’t need to know everything. You just need to:
- Create space for reflection
- Guide the focus
- Model calm and curiosity
Small questions can make a big difference:
“What’s feeling clear right now - and what’s still fuzzy?”
“What strengths have we relied on recently?”
“What do we need more of to move forward?
Three Manager Habits That Build Change Resilience
1. Start With Energy, Not Just Tasks
Try a quick check-in:
- “How’s your energy today?”
- “What’s giving or draining it?”
It normalises rest and helps you plan more humanly.
2. Reflect With, Not Just For, Your Team
Ask:
- “What helped us last time we navigated change well?”
- “Where do we already have momentum?”
This builds ownership not just compliance.
3. Spot Strengths and Name Them Often
Public praise doesn’t need to be dramatic.
“You really brought clarity today.”
“That moment of humour made a difference.”
This helps people feel seen and safe.
Related: How to Make Feedback Work
How Strengthify Supports Managers in Motion
Our Management Development Programme equips public sector managers to lead change with strengths, empathy and clarity. We also offer:
Ask us about practical ways to support you so you can better support your team.
Final Thought
You don’t need to carry it all.
You just need the right tools and permission to lead in a way that’s human, not heroic.