Managers aren’t disengaged — they’re overwhelmed. As AI accelerates and workplace expectations rise, managers are carrying pressure from above, emotion from below, and constant change all around them. Research from Gallup shows managers experience higher burnout than individual contributors and account for up to 70% of team engagement variance, placing enormous responsibility on people who often feel under-supported. This article explores why adding more initiatives isn’t the answer and why grounded, practical leadership support — focused on trust, clarity, conflict, and psychological safety — matters more than ever.