Executive Burnout and Finding Leaders Who Can Sustain the Pace
April 25, 2024
Today’s business environment is relentlessly paced, and executive burnout is not just a personal issue—it’s a critical organizational threat.
Leadership sustainability hinges on the capacity to endure extended periods of stress while staying well and sharp. It’s not enough to hire leaders who dazzle in short-term bursts. The true test is their ability to sustain excellence under pressure over the long haul.
The good news is that there are ways to find leader’s who will thrive under pressure, and also ways to help your leaders build resilience to stress.
Understanding Executive Burnout
Definition, Symptoms, and Impact
Executive burnout manifests as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress, characterized by cynicism towards the job, feelings of inadequacy, and reduced professional efficacy. This condition goes beyond ordinary fatigue, deeply impacting an executive’s capacity for effective decision-making and leadership.
A significant percentage of executives report experiencing burnout; according to a global survey of workers across multiple industries and companies published in September 2022 — more than half of managers (53%) report feeling burned out at work. Further, nearly 70% of the C-suite are seriously considering quitting for a job that better supports their well-being. This widespread issue not only undermines individual well-being but also affects organizational health, contributing to increased staff turnover and a decline in overall performance.
Consequences of Ignoring Burnout in Leadership Hiring
It is important to keep an eye out for red-flag burnout indicators during the recruitment process. If you hire an executive who is already nearing burn-out or who handles stress poorly, it can lead to severe repercussions, including poor decision-making and strategic failures. High burnout rates among leaders also correlate with diminished team morale and weakened corporate culture, underscoring the critical need for resilience as a key attribute in potential hires.
3 Burnout Red-Flags
- Decreased Engagement: Leaders who are experiencing burnout may show a marked decrease in their involvement and enthusiasm for projects they once led passionately. They might avoid engaging in discussions or decision-making processes they previously prioritized.
- Increased Cynicism: A noticeable shift towards a more cynical outlook on the job and their colleagues can be a sign of burnout. This might manifest as negative comments, a lack of trust in team capabilities, or a general detachment from the company’s goals.
- Reduced Productivity: An uncharacteristic decline in productivity or quality of work is a common indicator of burnout. Leaders may struggle to meet previously manageable deadlines or deliver work that meets their usual standards, indicating a loss of efficacy.
These indicators help in identifying leaders who might be at risk and allow for timely interventions to prevent further deterioration.
Identifying Resilience in Potential Leaders
Core Traits of Resilient Leaders
Resilient leaders are characterized by adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a proactive mindset. They navigate rapidly changing environments with flexibility, effectively manage their emotions to handle stress, and anticipate challenges, preparing solutions in advance.
Assessing Past Challenges
Evaluating how candidates have managed past stress and adversity is critical. This can be assessed through detailed behavioral interview questions that ask candidates to describe specific instances of overcoming difficulties, case studies that highlight their problem-solving skills, and references who can speak to their resilience.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is pivotal for long-term leadership success. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are adept at understanding and managing their own emotions and fostering positive relationships, which helps maintain team morale and drive performance even under pressure.
3 Resilience Indicators
- Adaptability in Crisis: A resilient leader swiftly revises strategies and methods when confronted with unforeseen challenges, demonstrating an ability to pivot and innovate under pressure. This adaptability ensures that the team remains effective and focused despite external disruptions.
- Steady Emotional Regulation: Such leaders consistently maintain composure and make rational decisions, even in high-stress environments. Their ability to manage their emotions prevents panic among the team and fosters a stable work atmosphere, crucial for sustained productivity.
- Consistent Performance Under Stress: Demonstrates an unwavering capability to deliver high-quality results even when under significant pressure. This consistency not only sets a performance standard but also instills confidence within the team, ensuring that organizational goals are met even in challenging times.
These indicators highlight leaders who are set up well to navigate sustained periods of stress.
Sustainable Performance over Peak Performance
Valuing Consistency Over Peaks
Prioritizing long-term sustainability in leadership performance over sporadic bursts of high achievement is crucial. While peak performances can be impressive, they often aren’t sustainable and can lead to burnout. Consistent performance, on the other hand, promotes steady progress and reliability, which are vital for long-term organizational success and stability.
Strategies for Maintaining Steady Leadership Output
- Setting Realistic Goals: Establish clear, achievable objectives that motivate sustained effort rather than sporadic sprints. This helps in maintaining a steady pace and prevents burnout.
- Fostering a Supportive Team Environment: Cultivate a culture that values open communication, mutual support, and collaborative problem-solving. A supportive atmosphere enhances team resilience and maintains consistent productivity.
- Encouraging Work-Life Balance: Promote policies that balance work demands with personal life, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and sufficient vacation time. Leaders who achieve a healthy work-life balance are more likely to sustain high performance without succumbing to stress.
These strategies not only enhance leadership efficacy but also contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and committed workforce.
Building a Supportive Environment for Leaders
Organizational Support Systems
Effective leadership is bolstered by robust support systems within the organization. Essential supports include executive coaching, which helps leaders refine their skills and strategies; mental health resources to ensure their well-being; and peer networks that provide a platform for sharing challenges and solutions among equals. These resources are crucial for sustaining leadership effectiveness over time.
Cultivating a Culture of Resilience
Creating a culture that values resilience involves embedding well-being into the company’s core values. This includes regular training on stress management, recognizing the achievements of teams and individuals, and encouraging open dialogue about challenges. Such a culture not only supports leaders but also enhances the overall resilience of the organization.
Implementing Preventive Measures Against Burnout
Preventive measures against burnout at the leadership level are vital. These may include setting boundaries on work hours, mandatory time off, and regular check-ins on leader well-being. By proactively addressing the signs of stress and potential burnout, organizations can preserve the health and productivity of their top-tier executives.
Lasting Executive Success
Real strength lies not in short-lived bursts of success but in the ability to navigate prolonged challenges without faltering. This approach isn’t just about avoiding burnout; it’s about fostering leaders who bring enduring value to your organization. Let’s challenge ourselves to look deeper, to select leaders not only for what they can achieve today but for their capacity to sustain success tomorrow. Start today—check in with your current bench of executives, and as you look to build your team look out for burnout red-flags and also resilience indicators. This is how we build not just a workforce, but a legacy.
Further Resources about Executive Burnout:
- How to prevent employee burnout – Gallup
- “We’re building resilience more than curing burnout.” – Tried to Cure My Burnout. Here’s What Happened from Time
- The Importance of Alignment in Helping Burnout
- Activity Pairing: a simple practice that can protect your brain from stress