Overcoming Burnout in Leadership: Real Stories & Solutions for Lasting Relief

Burnout in the workplace isn’t a new phenomenon, but it is becoming more prevalent. SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of 1,405 surveyed U.S. employees report feeling burned out, 45% feel “emotionally drained,” and 51% feel “used up” by the end of the workday.

Does this sound familiar?

• What once fueled your motivation now feels discouraging. You’re increasingly fixated on the negative, overlooking the positive moments or progress happening around you.
• When you feel embarrassed, unsuccessful, or imperfect, you turn inward and attack yourself with harsh words: "How could I not have seen that sooner?" "No wonder everyone dislikes me," or "I’ll never be good enough at this."

In this article, I want to move beyond simply discussing the signs of burnout and ways to find balance. Instead, I aim to explore the root cause. Steve Cuss, author of Managing Leadership Anxiety, states, “Burnout has less to do with workload and more to do with internal and external leadership anxiety.”

This insight shifts the focus from burnout being solely caused by too many tasks to a deeper emotional and psychological challenge that leaders face. Internal anxiety, like self-imposed expectations, fear of failure, or perfectionism, can sap energy.

Meanwhile, external anxiety, such as organizational demands, societal pressures, or lack of support, compounds this stress. When these anxieties go unaddressed, they contribute to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Cuss’s quote underscores that burnout cannot be solved merely by managing work tasks; leaders must address and manage their underlying anxieties to find lasting relief.

As Sean Nemecek puts it, “With the help of a coach or counselor, we begin to see something behind our overwork” (Nemecek, 2023).

What is Burnout?

The Mayo Clinic defines burnout as work-related stress that leads to physical or emotional exhaustion and a diminished sense of accomplishment or personal identity. Similarly, the World Health Organization describes burnout as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, characterized by:

• Energy depletion or exhaustion
• Increased mental distance or cynicism toward the job
• Reduced professional efficacy

My definition of burnout closely aligns with Sean Nemecek's in The Weary Leader's Guide to Burnout. Burnout occurs when there's a misalignment between our inner life—our values, expectations, and pressures—and the demands of our outer work life.

When these two worlds are no longer in harmony, we find ourselves emotionally overextended, which makes every task feel more difficult and time-consuming. This internal-external disconnect not only intensifies burnout but also makes recovery more challenging, as it’s rooted in deeper emotional and psychological strains rather than just workload.

As I dug into the root causes of my own burnout, I uncovered layers of negative self-talk, people-pleasing behaviors, and impatience. I began to believe that nothing I did was ever enough, simply because I wasn’t seeing immediate results.

This led me to take on more tasks without a clear sense of direction, prioritizing everything instead of focusing on what truly mattered. Essentially, I ended up doing a lot of busy work that didn’t move me forward, which only burned me out more and reinforced the feeling that I wasn’t doing enough.

One of the most powerful strategies in preventing burnout as a leader is to build resilience before you're deep in the trenches of stress and exhaustion.

While many articles on burnout focus on recovery after the fact, preventative measures can be just as crucial to long-term success and well-being. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from difficult situations; it’s about creating a sustainable foundation that supports you in navigating challenges without breaking down.

Here are some practical steps to build that resilience and maintain your leadership energy:

1. Cultivate a Strong Support System The higher you climb in leadership, the more isolated you can feel. Building a support system of peers, mentors, and trusted team members helps you remain grounded. Regular check-ins with those who understand your challenges can prevent feelings of isolation and give you a sounding board for solutions.

2. Develop a Personal Leadership Philosophy Knowing your "why" and how you approach leadership can provide clarity during turbulent times. Establishing a clear leadership philosophy allows you to stay anchored in your values, which will help guide decisions and keep you from overworking yourself to meet external expectations.

3. Commit to Self-Care as a Non-Negotiable Self-care should never be an afterthought. By committing to regular practices—whether it’s exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets—you create a well of energy you can tap into when needed. Remember, leaders who take care of themselves are more likely to inspire and sustain healthy teams.

4. Practice Strategic Reflection Incorporate regular reflection into your routine. Take time to review not just what you’ve accomplished but how you’ve felt in the process. This helps you notice signs of burnout before they become overwhelming. Leaders who reflect regularly are better equipped to identify early warning signs and adjust their approach as needed.

5. Invest in Continuous Learning and Growth Resilient leaders view challenges as opportunities for growth. Staying open to learning—whether through professional development, reading, or conversations with mentors—keeps your leadership fresh and your mind engaged. It also helps you stay adaptable in the face of adversity.

Let’s explore a few cases of burnout from previous clients. For confidentiality reasons, I’ve obtained permission to share their stories while ensuring that key details of their identities have been altered to protect their privacy.

• Client A - The Overwhelmed Executive: This senior leader was managing multiple high-stakes projects and teams, feeling responsible for everything. They often worked late into the night to meet deadlines, but despite their efforts, they felt like they were constantly falling behind. They were emotionally drained and disconnected from their passion for the work. Together, we worked on setting clearer boundaries, prioritizing tasks based on impact, and focusing on delegation to empower their team. This shift helped them regain energy and focus, improving both their well-being and their team’s performance.

• Client B - The Perfectionist Leader: A high-achieving department head with a strong desire for excellence, this leader’s perfectionism led them to overwork and over-prepare, feeling like nothing was ever good enough. Their internal pressure to constantly perform at the highest level drained their energy, resulting in feelings of inadequacy. Through coaching, we explored how their perfectionism was tied to deep-rooted fears of failure and self-worth. With the introduction of self-compassion and letting go of unrealistic expectations, they began to take more sustainable actions and found greater joy in their leadership.

• Client C - The People-Pleasing Manager: This middle manager was often overwhelmed by the constant need to please others, taking on extra tasks to avoid conflict and maintain harmony within the team. This led to emotional exhaustion and frustration, as they neglected their own needs and priorities. In coaching, we focused on assertiveness training and understanding the importance of healthy boundaries. They learned to delegate more effectively and say no when necessary, allowing them to regain control of their time and reduce burnout.

• Client D - The Visionary Leader: A founder of a growing startup, this leader was deeply passionate about their mission but felt burdened by the constant demands of leading the company. The weight of decision-making, lack of support, and uncertainty about the future led to burnout. Together, we explored the importance of building a strong leadership team, cultivating a support system, and developing strategies for managing stress and uncertainty. Through these shifts, they found renewed clarity and regained a sense of balance.

Other Steps to Prevent and Overcome Burnout

If any of these stories resonate with you, it's time to take action. Here are a few strategies that can help you combat burnout and foster a healthier work-life balance:

1. Set Boundaries: Define clear limits between your personal and work life. Protect your time and energy by saying no to unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters.
2. Delegate and Empower Others: As a leader, it’s crucial to trust your team and delegate tasks that they can handle. This not only lightens your load but also fosters growth and ownership within your team.
3. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it’s through a coach, mentor, or therapist. Talking to someone can provide perspective, clarity, and emotional support.
4. Reevaluate Expectations: Take a hard look at your self-imposed expectations. Are they realistic? Are you being too hard on yourself? Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them without falling into a cycle of self-criticism.

Conclusion

Burnout is a real and pressing issue for leaders in today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment. It’s not just about workload—it’s the emotional and psychological strains that often go unnoticed. By addressing the underlying anxieties, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-compassion, leaders can prevent burnout and create a more sustainable path forward.

If you’re feeling burnt out, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out for support, take small steps towards change, and prioritize your well-being. Your leadership and your health will thrive as a result.

About Me

Hi, I’m Arrezo, a Positive Psychology Leadership Coach helping leaders, professionals, and high-achieving individuals navigate challenges in both their personal and professional lives. I specialize in helping individuals overcome burnout, build resilience, cultivate healthy relationships, and enhance communication.

Having worked with numerous leaders across industries, I understand the unique pressures that come with leadership roles and the toll they can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being. My approach blends proven positive psychology tools with personalized coaching to address the root causes of stress, burnout, and anxiety.

If you're ready to take the first step toward reclaiming your energy, focus, and joy in both your work and life, I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s explore if we're a good fit to work together!