Hello Leaders,
A couple weeks ago, I was in Colorado Springs with a group of engineering execs, exploring resilience and burnout. I asked them: “How do you know when you’re nearing the edge?”
Their answers were sobering:
— Skipping lunch.
— Sitting at the screen all day.
— Snapping at people.
— Avoiding collaboration.
— Feeling numb but pushing through.
What struck me most wasn’t the symptoms; it was how normal they sounded. Like burnout had become just another part of the job.
One of the biggest traps in leadership is waiting until we’re burned out to take care of ourselves. But by then, our bodies and our teams have already paid the price.
The truth is: burnout doesn’t start with collapse. It starts with disconnection. From your needs. From your rhythms. From your joy.
As I often remind leaders: “You are instruments in service of others. Your own care is vital to your impact.” Resilience isn’t just about pushing through and bouncing back. It’s about tuning in—early, often, and honestly.
This week, I’m sharing a quick Burnout Signals Checklist that I use with clients. It helps spot some common burnout signals—before your body forces you to stop.
Do something intentional to take care of yourself this week; something that renews your energy and perhaps even refills your cup!