Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Leadership Strategies for Sustainable Success

Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Leadership Strategies for Sustainable Success

By Mark Wager

When I was in my mid-twenties, I was working as a broker sales manager at a finance house in London. It was a high-pressure job with long hours and even longer expectations. At the time, I thought I had it all figured out. Work came first, and everything else could wait.

One evening, I was in a car with Andy, another manager who worked just as hard as I did. Andy was one of those people you’d describe as solid, dependable, and always in control. But that night, as we were driving and talking about the pressures of the job, he broke down. Not just a momentary crack—he completely lost it.

The next day, he didn’t come back to work. Andy had an emotional breakdown, and he quit shortly after. He was just 27.

I remember walking into the office, expecting chaos. Andy had been a pillar of our team, and I couldn’t imagine how we’d manage without him. But, to my surprise, everything carried on as if nothing had happened. Work continued, targets were chased, and deadlines were met. It was like Andy had never existed.

I never saw him again, and that moment stuck with me. It made me realise how easy it is to get swallowed up by the demands of work, to pour your heart and soul into something that might not even notice if you disappeared.

The Realisation That Changed Everything

These days, I live near a graveyard. On my walks, I often stop to read the gravestones. They all talk about family—beloved husband, cherished wife, devoted father, loving mother. Not one of them mentions being a dedicated manager or a hardworking colleague.

Work can feel all-consuming, but in the end, it’s not what defines us. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important in the rush to achieve more, do more, and be more. And that’s where burnout creeps in.

Burnout isn’t just about working too hard; it’s about losing the balance between your professional and personal life, between what you do and who you are. But here’s the thing: you can break the cycle.

What is Burnout, and How Does It Happen?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It creeps up on you slowly—late nights become the norm, small frustrations turn into major irritations, and the passion you once had for your work starts to fade.

For leaders, burnout often feels like a double-edged sword. You’re responsible for your team, your results, and your organisation’s success. But who’s responsible for you?

The Lessons I Learned About Burnout

Looking back on my experience with Andy, I’ve realised a few things that I wish I’d known back then. Burnout doesn’t just harm the individual; it impacts everyone around them. And while work may carry on as if nothing has happened, the personal cost to that individual is often devastating.

I’ve also learned that leadership plays a huge role in either preventing or perpetuating burnout—not just for the leader themselves, but for their team.

Here’s what I’ve learned about how to break the burnout cycle and lead in a way that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with what truly matters.

1. Redefine Success

Success is often measured by numbers—targets hit, projects completed, hours worked. But true success is about more than metrics. It’s about balance, growth, and the ability to enjoy your life outside of work.

As a leader, you set the tone. If you’re constantly chasing unrealistic goals and sacrificing your well-being, your team will feel pressured to do the same. Instead, model a more balanced approach. Set boundaries, prioritise your health, and show your team that it’s okay to step back when needed.

2. Build a Culture of Support

One of the things that struck me about Andy’s breakdown was how little support there was for him. Back then, we didn’t talk about stress or mental health. It wasn’t seen as part of the job.

Today, I encourage leaders to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up. Check in with your team—not just about their work, but about how they’re feeling. Normalise conversations about stress and burnout, and make it clear that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

3. Focus on What Matters Most

The graveyard near my home is a constant reminder that life is about relationships, not responsibilities. As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of work and forget about the bigger picture.

Ask yourself: what really matters to you? Is it hitting your next target, or is it spending time with your family, nurturing your health, and creating a legacy that lasts beyond your career?

When you keep your priorities in perspective, it’s easier to let go of the things that don’t matter as much and focus on what truly does.

4. Learn to Let Go

Delegation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about trust. When you try to do everything yourself, you not only risk burning out, but you also deprive your team of opportunities to grow and contribute.

Letting go can be hard, especially if you’ve always taken pride in being the person who gets things done. But as a leader, your role is to empower others, not to carry the entire load yourself.

5. Take Care of Yourself First

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s true. As a leader, you can’t give your best to your team if you’re running on empty.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or simply getting enough sleep, prioritise activities that recharge you. And don’t feel guilty about it.

Remember, you’re not just leading a team—you’re leading by example. When your team sees you taking care of yourself, it gives them permission to do the same.

Leadership Is About More Than Work

Andy’s story stayed with me because it taught me a powerful lesson: work can wait, but life can’t. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to protect not just our own well-being, but also the well-being of those we lead.

Breaking the burnout cycle starts with recognising what’s truly important and having the courage to make it a priority. When you lead with balance, purpose, and perspective, you’re not just preventing burnout—you’re creating a life and a legacy that truly matter.

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership and struggling to find balance, I can help. As a leadership and mindset coach, I specialise in helping leaders like you navigate the challenges of leadership while prioritising what matters most.

Let’s work together to break the burnout cycle and build a sustainable leadership style that empowers you and inspires your team. Contact me today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose.