Leaders often have difficulty admitting to burnout, but it is crucial to detect burnout early so the issue can be addressed before it negatively affects team morale and motivation.
Fast Company shares the following signs your boss may be experiencing burnout and ways to help support him or her.
- A waning vision. Leaders must have a strong vision to be effective. When experiencing burnout, a leader’s sense of purpose becomes blurred, and he or she focuses on daily survival rather than long-term goals. Notice whether your boss stops talking about the “why” behind projects or resists discussing long-term growth. You can help by facilitating brainstorming sessions where you and your team explore new ideas and focus on the bigger picture.
- Emotional withdrawal and disconnection. When experiencing burnout, leaders who once demonstrated high emotional intelligence may suddenly seem closed off, moody or irritable. Look for cues from your boss such as reduced openness to feedback or a lack of interest in personal conversations with team members. You can help by offering empathy without forcing your boss to open up; normalizing small breaks; offering to help with tasks; and expressing appreciation for his or her work.
- Fluctuations in energy and motivation. Leaders typically are known for their energy and drive. When burnout happens, they may have spurts of frenetic activity followed by long stretches of fatigue or disengagement. Observe whether your boss is highly focused on details some days, then uninvolved on other days. You can help by providing structure and consistency within your own work to help stabilize the team environment and encouraging routines such as regular project updates.
- Reduced curiosity and adaptability. Leaders affected by burnout may become less adaptable and feel overwhelmed by the prospect of learning something new. Observe whether your boss is unusually resistant to trying new methods, tools or workflows. You can help by respecting his or her need for stability while suggesting low-stakes learning experiences and introducing new approaches gradually.
- A loss of personal boundaries. When experiencing burnout, leaders often fail to maintain healthy boundaries, believing they must be “always on” to meet the demands of their role and refusing to take time off. Observe when your boss is working longer hours or becoming overly involved in small details. You can help by encouraging rest and reinforcing the idea that taking time off is necessary for long-term performance. Remind your boss that effective delegation is a strength—not a weakness.
