Stress vs. Burnout: Mastering the Differences for Stronger Leadership

How can I tell the difference between stress and burnout? This is a question I get all the time. 

It’s an essential question because understanding the difference is crucial for effective leadership. 

We’ll use the story of Sarah and Jake to help you know the difference.

Sarah has managed Jake, a top performer on her team, for the past two years. 

Recently, she noticed a concerning change in Jake's behavior. 

Over the last month, Jake has worked tirelessly on a project with a demanding yet profitable client known for their ever-changing requests. 

Jake has been flexible and accommodating to client's demands, often going above and beyond to meet their needs.

Despite his consistently high performance over the last few weeks, Sarah observed that Jake seemed exhausted, irritable, and disengaged. His once vibrant enthusiasm appeared to be waning, replaced by a sense of frustration and weariness. 

In their one-on-one meetings, Sarah checked in with Jake, asking if everything was alright. Jake said he was fine and switched the topic back to work. Sarah didn’t want to pry, so she let it go.

Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

Two weeks before, Jake mistakenly sent a late-night text message intended for a friend to another colleague at work. He said he was fed up but needed the benefits for his family. 

Someone shared a screenshot of the message with Sarah. A month before, she overheard Jake venting to a colleague in the lunch room. He told his friend that he was sick of the  “place.” 

Here are some signs that may provide insight into Jake’s situation.

Stress Indicators in Jake: Sarah observed signs of stress in Jake, such as heightened anxiety and time pressure. For instance, Jake started exhibiting restlessness, constantly checking the clock, and expressing concerns about meeting deadlines. His body language became more tense, and he seemed constantly on edge.

Burnout Clues in Jake: Despite Jake's claims that everything was fine, Sarah noticed subtle signs of burnout. Jake's enthusiasm for work seemed to dwindle, and he displayed a growing sense of detachment and cynicism. For example, during casual conversations, he commented negatively about the company and expressed a lack of fulfillment in his role. 

Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: Sarah also noticed physical and emotional exhaustion in Jake. His energy levels appeared depleted, and he seemed emotionally drained. He frequently called out sick and straightforward tasks that he used to handle now quickly seemed hard. Additionally, Jake's interactions with colleagues became less frequent, and he preferred spending more time alone, signaling a need for emotional disconnection. He used to offer ideas in team meetings, but now all he did was listen.

While stress and burnout share some commonalities, it's essential to recognize the distinct signs that set them apart. A temporary response to challenging circumstances often characterizes stress, whereas burnout is a chronic state of exhaustion and disengagement. 

Understanding the distinctions between stress and burnout is critical to building high-performing teams. By discerning the subtle signs, leaders can proactively address the well-being of their team members, preventing burnout and fostering an engaged workforce.

That’s it for this week.

Always wishing you the best,

Dr. Beckford

PS.  Want to help your team avoid burnout? Grab your self-care transformation guide: here.