Last week in a coaching session, a leader told me they were finding it difficult to write the script for their Executive Team’s monthly video. They’re meant to give an update on their area – something informative, engaging and inspiring.

When I asked what was getting in the way, they told me things are feeling really “heavy” right now. A few knockbacks on projects they’re working on, uncertainty about future funding for their area – and on top of that, some challenges at home and a growing concern about what’s happening in the Middle East and what it means for their industry and their personal finances.

They said they’re feeling somewhat numb. Unable to find the words. And I’m sure you’d agree, they’re not alone.

Now, I’m not a psychologist, but I think it’s fair to say what they’re experiencing is a combination of Emotional Load and Cognitive Load.

Emotional Load is when we experience so many strong emotions at once that our brain becomes overwhelmed and struggles to process or articulate thoughts clearly.

Cognitive Load is when our brain is managing too many concerns simultaneously. Both affect our nervous system and our ability to think clearly, make sense of what’s happening, and communicate with others.

If you’re in a leadership role or a position of influence, I’m sure you can relate.

I’m sure you also know that in a leadership role you can’t not communicate – the consequences can be damaging for your team and for you.

So, what do you do when you’re still required to show up and share?

Here are a couple of things that I’ve found work:

1. Name the load, don’t push through it

Trying to push through or ignore the heaviness often makes it harder to think clearly. Naming what you’re feeling – whether to yourself, a trusted confidant, or on paper – can help settle your nervous system and restore some perspective. It’s not self-indulgent. It’s practical.

2. Separate the person from the communicator

The leader who is struggling right now and the leader who needs to show up are both you, but they don’t have to operate at the same time. Give yourself ten minutes to feel what you’re feeling, then step into the role. You don’t have to be okay to communicate well.

3. Lower the bar on perfection

When things feel heavy, you might feel pressure to say something profound or inspiring. But your team doesn’t need polished inspiration right now. They need honesty, composure and presence. Give yourself permission for the message to be simple and genuine.

4. Ask yourself one question: What does my team need to know right now?

Strip it right back. When you’re struggling to find the right words, this one question cuts through the noise. It removes the pressure to inspire and replaces it with something concrete and doable. Often the answer is simpler than you think.

The leader your team, division, organisation will trust the most isn’t the one who always says the right thing. But the one who keeps showing up – even when it’s hard, even when the words feel clunky, even when you’d rather say nothing at all.

If you’re carrying a lot right now, give yourself permission to communicate imperfectly. Your team, division or organisation doesn’t need your best. They just need you.

Trust, engagement and connection are built on consistency and visibility – not perfection.

Until next week, be well and lead well.

Kylie