Identifying early signs of CEO burnout is vital for the well-being of both the individual and the organisation.
Here are some key indicators, illustrated with examples from high-profile leaders:
1. Decline in Decision-Making Quality
When a CEO begins making poor or delayed decisions, it’s a red flag. They may become indecisive or avoid major decisions altogether.
Example: During his first tenure at Apple, Steve Jobs faced criticism for his erratic decision-making. Despite his visionary leadership, the immense pressure he was under led to frequent changes in direction and an over-reliance on subordinates for critical decisions.
2. Reduced Engagement and Motivation
A lack of enthusiasm for new projects and decreased participation in meetings can signal trouble.
Example: Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, temporarily stepped down due to burnout, expressing a need to recharge. He began missing important meetings and showed a clear disengagement from strategic planning.
3. Increased Irritability and Mood Swings
Burnout often manifests as irritability and mood swings, with the CEO getting frustrated over minor issues or having emotional outbursts.
Example: Elon Musk has publicly shared his struggles with exhaustion and stress, which sometimes led to visible irritability and abrupt mood changes. He often clashed with team members, displaying signs of frustration and stress.
4. Decline in Physical Health
Frequent illnesses, constant fatigue, and noticeable changes in appearance are serious indicators.
Example: Arianna Huffington, founder of Huffington Post, collapsed from exhaustion due to overwork. She exhibited signs of physical exhaustion, taking more sick days and frequently visiting medical professionals.
5. Cognitive Impairment
Burnout can impair cognitive functions, leading to memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.
Example: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasises the importance of mental well-being after observing colleagues struggle with cognitive strain. Repeated mistakes, forgetfulness, and decreased ability to focus on complex tasks were key signs he identified.
6. Withdrawal from Social Interactions
Isolation from colleagues and reduced communication can be significant signs.
Example: Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber, became increasingly isolated from his team, which contributed to his eventual resignation. He avoided social events and preferred to work alone, reducing his availability for discussions.
7. Work-Life Imbalance
Excessively long working hours, neglecting personal life, and lack of time for relaxation or hobbies can contribute to burnout.
Example: Jeff Bezos stepped back from his role as CEO of Amazon to find a better work-life balance after decades of intense work schedules. He often stayed late at the office, answered emails at all hours, and missed family commitments.
8. Negative Outlook and Pessimism
Frequent expressions of hopelessness and negative comments about the company’s future are red flags.
Example: Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, faced significant stress and public scrutiny, which impacted her outlook. She made pessimistic statements and showed a lack of optimism in communications, indicating a generally negative attitude.
9. Decline in Performance and Productivity
Missing deadlines, reduced work quality, and failing to meet goals can be indicators.
Example: Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, experienced a noticeable decline in productivity before stepping down. His output slowed, he made more frequent errors, and his overall productivity dropped significantly.
10. Reluctance to Take Time Off
Refusing vacations, working through weekends, and not delegating tasks are major signs.
Example: Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, was known for his intense work ethic, often neglecting breaks, which led to burnout. He rarely took vacations, was constantly on call, and was reluctant to delegate responsibilities.
Summary:
Consider strategies for reducing stress and getting support, such as delegating tasks, or seeking professional assistance. Addressing burnout proactively can make a significant difference in ensuring as the CEO you remain effective and healthy, ultimately benefiting the entire organisation.
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