Preventing Burnout: The Key to Sustainable Growth for Rapidly Expanding Companies

In my more than ten years of helping companies achieve high performance, I have often encountered organizations that have grown so rapidly that they are on the verge of "dying of success." Why is this?

The Strain of Rapid Growth

One of the main risks associated with such rapid growth is the burnout of the management team, which becomes overloaded with work. When I start working with these management teams, either through group workshops or individual sessions, we work on topics such as self-awareness, leadership, time management, etc., which are important aids.

However, often when we delve a little deeper, the main cause of this overload situation comes to light: They have been forced to recruit a large number of new employees whom they have not had time to train, and very often, the lack of a consolidated middle management structure forces the management team to take on tasks that should be delegated, such as day-to-day operations management, team supervision, and operational problem-solving.

This translates into endless working hours, constant stress, and a feeling of frustration at not being able to attend to all areas of the company effectively. In turn, many of these employees who have not been properly led or trained become frustrated and end up leaving the company, thus entering a cycle where all of this is repeated.

Company growth becomes unsustainable, a nightmare.

The Consequences of a Burned-Out Management Team

In the long term, the burnout of the management team can have disastrous consequences for the company, such as:

• Decreased productivity: A burned-out manager cannot perform at their best, which negatively affects the overall productivity of the company.
• Deterioration of the work environment: The stress and frustration of the management team can spread to the rest of the workforce, creating a negative and demotivating work environment.
• Poor decisions: Overwork and lack of time to think clearly can lead to poor decisions that harm the company.
• Health problems: Chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.

What to Do to Prevent This

To prevent the burnout of the management team and its negative consequences, it is necessary to work directly with them, but this alone is not enough.

It is also essential to create a solid middle management structure. This implies delegating responsibilities to qualified professionals and training them adequately so that they can successfully perform their functions.

The training of middle managers should cover not only the hard skills (technical skills) of their area of specialization, but also the soft skills (soft skills) that are essential for good leadership and team management.

Essential Soft Skills for Middle Managers

Among the most important soft skills are:

• Leadership: A good leader inspires and motivates their team, creates a sense of shared purpose, and fosters collaboration. A well-trained middle manager can guide their team towards achieving common goals, even in times of uncertainty or change.
• Team management: An effective middle manager knows how to assign tasks, delegate responsibilities, and provide constructive feedback to their team. They can also identify and develop the talent of their team members, creating an environment of growth and professional development.
• Productivity and time management: Effective time management is crucial for any manager, but especially for those in middle management who have to balance multiple tasks and responsibilities. Knowing how to prioritize, set deadlines, and manage unforeseen events and distractions are essential skills.
• Communication and difficult conversations: Clear, open, and honest communication is essential for the success of any team. Middle managers must know how to communicate effectively with their superiors, peers, and subordinates, creating a transparent flow of information and avoiding misunderstandings. They must also be able to have those difficult conversations: give feedback, say "no," receive criticism, etc.
• Emotional intelligence and conflict management: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as those of others. A middle manager with high emotional intelligence can create an empathetic and understanding work environment where employees feel valued and respected. Knowing how to manage conflict constructively is essential in these positions.

Benefits of Investing in Soft Skills

Investing in the training of middle managers in these soft skills will not only alleviate the workload of the management team, but will also have a positive impact on the entire company.

A team of well-trained middle managers who are equipped to lead and manage their teams effectively will contribute to:

• Improved productivity: Well-led and motivated employees are more productive and efficient.
• Strengthening the work environment: Good leadership creates a positive and collaborative work environment where employees feel valued and respected.
• Reduced employee turnover: Employees who are satisfied with their work and their boss are less likely to look for other job opportunities.
• Making better decisions: Middle managers can bring new perspectives and creative solutions to the company's problems.

Investing in Soft Skills: An Investment in the Future

Training middle managers in soft skills will not only allow them to be more effective leaders, but will also alleviate the workload of the management team, reducing stress and frustration.

By delegating tasks and responsibilities to well-trained middle managers, the management team can focus on the strategic tasks that will drive the company's long-term growth.

In short, investing in the development of soft skills in middle managers is an investment in the future of the company.

A Strong and Capable Middle Management Team

A strong and capable middle management team will not only allow for more sustainable growth, but will also create a more positive and productive work environment for all employees.

Remember: Rapid company growth does not have to be synonymous with burnout.

By creating a solid middle management structure and training these leaders in the necessary soft skills, companies can ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Creating a solid middle management structure and training them adequately in soft skills is a fundamental investment for the sustainable and successful growth of any company.

A management team supported by a team of trained middle managers will be better able to lead the company towards achieving its goals, and benefits the entire company:

• The management team can rely on the middle management structure, which contributes to alleviating their workload and stress.
• Middle managers can do their jobs better by providing them with training and coaching to do their job.
• Work teams, well led, will work with more commitment, motivation and with better results.
• The company will be able to better serve its customers and grow in a more sustainable way, achieving better results.

If you want to start right now...

There are many options available to help you develop the skills you need to lead a team effectively.

I invite you to learn about my books , which are based on the day-to-day reality of team leadership.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of a company can be a dream come true for any entrepreneur or manager. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with such rapid growth, such as the burnout of the management team. By creating a solid middle management structure and investing in the development of soft skills in these leaders, companies can ensure a more sustainable and successful future.

Inma Ríos has been guiding leaders and teams to achieve their goals through training, mentoring, and personal development for over a decade. She is an engineer with over 25 years of corporate experience in various countries. She is also a business trainer, international speaker, and certified Agile Coach Professional. Top Women Leader 2022 Award.

More information at www.inmarios.com