Spotting Burnout In High Achievers

Burnout has a stereotype.

We picture it in the disengaged, the absent, the ones who’ve checked out.

And yes - burnout can look like that.

But here’s the curveball:

Some of the most at-risk people are the ones you’d never suspect.

High achievers. The people who always deliver. The ones who light up a room, take on the tough projects, and “just get it done.”

They’re often high-conscientious, deeply invested, and driven by pride in their work.And that’s exactly what makes them vulnerable.

Because they don’t slow down. They don’t switch off. They don’t “do” rest.

They push through fatigue.They absorb extra tasks without complaint.They wear their resilience like armour - until it cracks.

The hidden danger

Research shows that high performers are more likely to ignore early warning signs of burnout.They have a higher tolerance for stress, which sounds like an asset… until you realise it also means they delay seeking help until they’re in crisis.

By the time the signs are obvious - illness, errors, withdrawal - the damage is done.

And there's a multiplier. When a high achiever burns out, the ripple effect across a team is massive. Productivity, morale, and trust take a hit.

2-Minute Game Changer:

The Check-In Rule

If you lead high performers, make proactive check-ins non-negotiable.

Ask three questions:

1. What’s lighting you up right now?

2. What’s weighing you down?

3. What’s one thing I can take off your plate this week?

Then listen.

And act.

And communicate it back to them.

High achievers rarely ask for help — but if you offer it with intention, you’ll catch burnout before it catches them.

Want to go deeper?

In our Rebel Playbook work, we teach leaders how to spot — and prevent — burnout in every kind of performer. Because protecting your top talent isn’t just good people practice — it’s a performance strategy.

And in The Balance Code Membership, members recharge before they hit the wall.

If you want to protect your own capacity, join the Membership for $24.99/month cancel anytime.

Or message me to bring our Rebel Playbook Lunch & Learn series to your workplace.

Because burnout isn’t about capability. It’s about capacity.

And you can protect both.

Much love,

Cath x