I’m writing another article about burnout because it’s a hot topic right now and there is much to share from my point of view.

Burnout isn’t just about long hours; it’s about the way you show up in your business. And if you’ve ever found yourself hijacked by frustration, blame, or exhaustion — you’re not broken. You’re human. The Drama Triangle is the most common, unanalyzed gap happening inside businesses today. As a business coach working with teams and companies for a living, including right here in Boulder, I see it everywhere: good people slipping unconsciously into Rescuer, Victim, or Persecutor roles. It’s not a flaw—it’s an opportunity.

(If you want a deeper dive on the Drama Triangle, check out this Wikipedia article.)

Recognizing Drama: The First Step

The Rescuer thinks they must fix everything. The Victim feels trapped and powerless. The Persecutor blames and criticizes. These reactive patterns lead to stress, resentment, and disconnection—both within teams and within yourself.

If you’ve ever thought, “No one else can do it right,” “Why is this all on me?” or “They just don’t get it,” you’ve touched drama. Recognizing it is your first act of leadership.

Choosing a New Way: Coach, Creator, Challenger

To build a thriving business and a sustainable leadership life, adopt these new roles:

• Coach: Instead of rescuing, empower. Ask powerful questions. Help others discover their own solutions. Trust that they can rise.
• Creator: Instead of feeling trapped, focus on possibilities. What do you want to create? What choice can you make right now that aligns with your vision?
• Challenger: Instead of blaming, challenge with purpose. Hold people accountable with clarity and kindness. Speak truth that invites growth.

How to Speak from Coach, Creator, and Challenger

When you embody these roles, your language changes. As a Coach, you might say, “What options do you see for moving forward?” or “What support would help you take the next step?” As a Creator, you ask yourself and others, “What do we want to build here?” or “What’s the opportunity inside this challenge?” As a Challenger, you speak truth with care: “I see a gap between what we say we want and how we’re showing up—how can we close it together?” These shifts in language create shifts in culture.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

Leadership isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the daily choices you make in moments of stress and uncertainty. When you feel the pull to step into drama, pause. Ask yourself:

• Am I empowering or rescuing?
• Am I creating possibilities or staying stuck in problems?
• Am I challenging for growth or criticizing from fear?

Each time you choose Coach, Creator, or Challenger, you move your business—and your well-being—forward.

The Payoff: Energy, Connection, Growth

Operating from purpose instead of drama gives you back your energy. It fosters real trust within your team. It invites innovation instead of fear. And it ensures that you lead from your values, not your stress.

Burnout fades when leadership becomes a conscious choice, not a constant reaction.

Ready to Choose Differently? Here’s How:

1. Catch Yourself — Notice when you’re in stress, blame, or overwhelm.
2. Name the Emotion — Say it out loud or in your mind.
3. Pause and Breathe — Even 30 seconds resets your nervous system.
4. Reconnect to Your Purpose — Ask, “What do I want to create?”
5. Choose Your Role — Show up as Coach, Creator, or Challenger.
6. Lead the Moment — Model clarity, possibility, and accountability.

What Leading from Purpose Means

Leading from purpose means making decisions from your core values, not fear. You must step out of stress and drama first—because from survival mode, all you can do is react.

Take a chance. Say some stuff that doesn’t go over well. Teach this mindset to your team. Practice it together. It works.

Your next breakthrough starts with how you choose to show up.

Curious what this could look like inside your company?

If you’re ready to coach, challenge, and create with your team — not just manage them — reach out. I’d love to show you how I help Boulder-area businesses (and beyond) transform the way they lead and grow.

Connect with me here and let’s talk.

And if you want more about burnout, check out my past Boulder-focused blog: Strategies to Overcome Leadership Burnout: Reclaiming Play Over Pressure.

Kate Galt Primal Leadership Business Coaching

Kate Galt coaches and challenges leaders at all levels— from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives— to sharpen their vision, articulate key messages so they connect and inspire, and make decisive, strategic moves that drive real business growth. Based in Boulder, Colorado, she works with individuals and teams to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and achieve measurable results.

Her coaching is rooted in Primal Leadership—because the strongest leaders move with instinct, command presence without force, and create unshakable trust through raw, real connection.

Like any driven person, Kate is always figuring out how to do it all—running a business, raising two kids with her equally involved husband, and still making time for the adventure that brought her to Colorado in 1998. Whether it’s snowboarding, mountain biking, or chasing an ultimate frisbee, she knows the best leadership isn’t just learned—it’s lived.

The bottom line? Kate makes good leaders great.

Curious about what makes her coaching style so impactful? Book a call and experience it for yourself at CoachTheLeaders.com.