24. Compassionate Leadership Without the Burnout: Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge

Trying to support your team without burning out? You might be missing one key trauma-informed leadership skill.

You care about your people. You want them to feel safe coming to you with their concerns. But every time someone shares their stress, anger, or worry with you, you walk away feeling drained — and take their stress home with you.

It feels like you have to choose: Be a compassionate leader OR Protect your energy.

That’s exactly the dilemma "Stephanie," a dedicated healthcare leader, faced. She was exhausted from managing constant drama at work. She was emotionally fried and on the verge of quitting leadership altogether.

In this episode, I share the powerful “Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge” exercise — a simple, trauma-informed leadership tool I’ve used for more than 20 years. It’s helped hundreds of leaders (including me!) stay grounded, centered, and present, even in the middle of emotional storms.

If you want to lead with emotional intelligence and support your team without absorbing their stress, this episode will show you how.

🎧 Hit PLAY and let’s get started.

You’ll learn:

• Why your mind might be tricking you into thinking your team’s stress is your own
• A creative visualization technique that helps you protect your energy in real time
• How to lead with compassion without taking responsibility for everyone else’s emotions
• Why emotional intelligence in leadership hinges on knowing what to hold — and what to release

💼 Want more help building a drama-free team that gets along—and gets results?
Apply for on-air leadership coaching here (spots are limited).

0:56 – The Empathy Trap: Why Leaders Take On Emotions That Aren’t Theirs

2:15 – Mirror Neurons, The surprising reason your body reacts so strongly when others are upset—and what to do about it.

5:10 – Real-Life Burnout: A Leader on the Verge of Quitting

7:00 – Be a Bowl, Not a Sponge: The Tool That Changes Everything
A simple exercise to help you stay clear, calm, and present during emotional conversations.

10:45 – How staying grounded helps your team feel safer—and keeps you from burning out.

🧘‍♀️ ACTIVITY FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Imagine a bowl you love.

2. Make it big.

3. Let their words & emotions pour into the bowl.

4. Empty the bowl.

5. Let go with intention.

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Click here to send me a message.

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Want more help leading a team that gets along—and gets results? Apply for on-air coaching here (spots are limited).

More Resources for You:

• Get The Empowered Feedback Toolkit for easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidance so you can speak clearly and confidently—especially during tough conversations.
• Explore Dr. Annie's Executive Coaching Program.
• Download your free guide: Trauma Survivors Empowerment Guide

Connect with Dr. Annie online: LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

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