Burnout: A Leadership Problem and a Personal Wake-Up Call
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Burnout: A Leadership Problem and a Personal Wake-Up Call
Trigger warning: This post discusses burnout, toxic work environments, and personal health struggles. Please take care of yourself and return when you’re ready.
This One’s Personal
Burnout isn’t just a concept to me. It’s something I’ve lived through – and it changed everything.
In my early corporate career, I worked in a toxic, high-pressure environment. I was micromanaged, undermined, and constantly made to feel I wasn’t enough. I kept pushing, blaming myself for not being stronger. Until one day, I collapsed.
Hospitalised, burnt out, and completely disconnected from myself, I knew something had to change.
Burnout didn’t just leave me tired. It left me anxious, numb, over-eating, doubting everything, and emotionally flat – even in moments that should have brought me joy. I was on autopilot.
Burnout isn’t just about being busy. It’s what happens when your stress takes over your mind, body, and emotions.
It’s Not Just About Workload
Yes, workload is a major factor – but it’s not the only one. It’s also how the work gets done.
Broken processes
Pointless admin
Constant red tape
“That’s how we’ve always done it” thinking
These micro-stressors slowly drain energy and morale. And when organisations ignore them?
Burnout follows.
But it’s not all workplace pressure. Life stress matters too – financial worries, caregiving responsibilities, world events, mental load. People don’t clock out of their lives when they clock in at work.
That’s why wellbeing must be human-centred, flexible, and compassionate – not just packaged in an app.
The Science Behind Burnout
Burnout isn’t just emotional – it’s biological.
Chronic cortisol spikes from ongoing stress
Emotional numbness as the brain shuts down to cope
Physical symptoms like headaches, gut issues, and tension
Long-term health conditions, like the ones I now live with
Burnout leaves a mark. It left one on me.
What Can Leaders Do About It?
Burnout is not a personal weakness. It’s often the result of broken systems, unrealistic expectations, and poor support.
As a leader, you have influence. Here’s where to begin:
🟠 Ask better questions
“What’s getting in your way?”“How can I support you better?”“What can we stop doing?”
These questions open doors. Listen to the answers.
🟠 Support line managers
Managers are often holding it all. Check in with them. Make sure they have the support and bandwidth to lead well – and sustainably.
🟠 Focus on the how, not just the what
Simplify. Streamline. Ditch outdated processes. The goal is not more – it’s better.
🟠 Model healthy boundaries
If you skip lunch and work late, your team will assume that’s expected. Show them what sustainability looks like by embodying it.
🟠 Recognise progress
Celebrate the small wins. Show people that their effort matters – not just their output.
If You Think You’re Burning Out
Let me say this clearly: it’s not your fault.
Burnout is not a sign of weakness. It’s a response to overload and unmet needs.
Talk to someone – a GP, a friend, a therapist, or a trusted colleague. Saying it out loud is a powerful first step.
Then, ask yourself:
What’s draining me the most?
What can I stop, simplify, or delegate?
What one small shift could lighten the load?
Start small. Small changes create momentum.
Why This Matters
Burnout is not just a personal issue. It’s a systemic one.
It affects performance, culture, health, and lives. And as leaders – in work, in families, in communities – we have the responsibility to make space for wellbeing that’s real and reachable.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. But acknowledging what needs to shift? That’s where transformation begins.
Where to Find Support
If this resonated, and you’re feeling the pressure, here are some trusted resources:
Mind UK – Mental health support and information
Samaritans – Free 24/7 confidential listening
MHFA England – Workplace mental health support
And if you want to start making work feel better – for yourself or your team – my inbox is always open.
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