HBR On Leadership When You’re Worn Down—and Your Team Is Too
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Apr 1, 2026 
Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a workplace strategist and author focused on wellbeing, offers practical ways to reclaim joy at work. She discusses how burnout shows up, why middle managers are squeezed, and how curiosity and rituals like gratitude rounds or a ‘happy folder’ can restore energy. Short, actionable ideas for rebuilding connection and purpose at work.
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Worn Down Managers Transmit A Dark Shadow To Teams
- A worn-down manager spreads negative energy that slows creativity, decision making, and breeds cynicism across the team.
- Daisy warns that accumulated frustration becomes a 'dark shadow' that employees visibly feel in daily interactions.
Middle Managers Bear The Brunt Of Organizational Strain
- Middle managers face relentless pressure from above and below while often lacking peer support, making them especially vulnerable to burnout.
- Daisy emphasizes middle managers execute strategy and need clarity, resources, and recognition to avoid deep burnout.
Use Joy As A Practical Buffer Against Burnout
- Focus on cultivating joy and lightness as an immediate, controllable buffer against burnout while addressing systemic causes later.
- Daisy advises using small daily shifts to safeguard well-being and prepare to tackle systemic overwork and resource issues.