The Differences Between Burnout and Misalignment Apr 9 Written By Lesa Edwards </div> </div></div><div class="sqs-block website-component-block sqs-block-website-component sqs-block-html html-block" data-block-css="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/0539d27a-3d6b-478f-b600-400d441b4e76_418/website.components.html.styles.css"]" data-block-scripts="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/0539d27a-3d6b-478f-b600-400d441b4e76_418/website.components.html.visitor.js"]" data-block-type="1337" data-definition-name="website.components.html" data-sqsp-block="text" id="block-62c1441d109617e69ec8"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-text-block-container"> <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> The previous episode of the podcast, #39, was on What to Do When Your Senior Role Becomes Unsustainable. I talk about how to create a plan for yourself that helps you avoid the overwhelm and misery of your job now – whether you choose to remain in that role or begin looking elsewhere. </p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">I thought a good companion episode to that content was how to identify the differences between burnout and misalignment. I want to talk about this from two perspectives: What this looks like in your own career, and how this looks for your direct reports. </p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">I got the idea for this episode from Mark Danaher, who has been a guest on my other podcast, The Exclusive Career Coach. If you’d like to read his LinkedIn newsletter post on this topic: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-job-disappeared-tomorrow-mark-hzsfe/?trackingId=e0YnPhLdRieD0U5OoUP4jA%3D%3D">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-job-disappeared-tomorrow-mark-hzsfe/?trackingId=e0YnPhLdRieD0U5OoUP4jA%3D%3D</a></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Let’s start with some definitions</strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout:</strong> A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It’s a "fuel" issue.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment:</strong> A lack of congruence between an individual’s values, strengths, or goals and their current role/company culture. It’s a "fit" issue.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Thesis:</strong> You cannot "rest" your way out of misalignment, and you cannot "pivot" your way out of burnout.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>How Do They Show Up in You as an Executive? </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout Signs:</strong> Irritability over small tasks, "brain fog," physical fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, and a cynical view toward previously enjoyed projects.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment Signs:</strong> Feeling like an impostor (because the role demands skills you don’t value), "Sunday Scaries" despite a manageable workload, and a sense of "Is this all there is?"</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Why Does Each Happen?</strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout:</strong> The "Always On" culture, carry-over stress from high-stakes decision-making, and the isolation of the C-suite.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment:</strong> "Golden Handcuffs," outgrowing the company’s mission, or a shift in the organization’s values that no longer matches your own.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>What is the Solution? </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>For Burnout:</strong> Rigorous boundary setting. Radical delegation of "Energy Vampires" (tasks that drain you). Creating a Personal Retention Plan, as I talked about in the previous episode. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>For Misalignment:</strong> A values audit. Identifying where the friction lies. Is it the <em>industry</em>, the <em>company</em>, or the <em>specific seat</em>?</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Spotting the Difference in Your Direct Reports</strong></h4><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Burnout Employee:</strong> A high performer who is suddenly making sloppy mistakes or withdrawing. They look tired.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Misaligned Employee:</strong> A talented individual who is disengaged or "quiet quitting." They look bored or frustrated.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>What Should Your Response Be? </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Addressing Burnout:</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Action:</strong> Capacity planning.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Conversation:</strong> "How can we clear your plate to focus on the 20% that matters most?"</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Goal:</strong> Recovery.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Addressing Misalignment:</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Action:</strong> Job crafting or internal mobility.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Conversation:</strong> "What parts of your role feel most like work, and where do you feel you’re underutilizing your strengths?"</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Goal:</strong> Re-engagement or a graceful transition.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Strategic Implications </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Cost of Misdiagnosis:</strong> If you give a misaligned person a month off, they will return just as unhappy. If you give a burned-out person a "more exciting" project, you might break them.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Executive’s Responsibility:</strong> Creating a culture where "alignment checks" are as common as performance reviews.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Great Questions to Ask Yourself</strong></h4><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>These questions are for you, the Executive: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Energy Audit: </strong>If you woke up tomorrow with a full tank of gas—completely rested and energized—would you still be excited about the specific problems you have to solve today? If the answer is no, you aren't burned out; you’re misaligned.</p></li><li><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Why vs. How:</strong> When you think about your work, are you frustrated by <em>how</em> much you have to do (Burnout), or are you struggling to remember <em>why</em> you are doing it in the first place (Misalignment)?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>These questions address your direct reports: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Talent Drain:</strong> Look at your top performer who seems to be slipping. Are you trying to fix their productivity with a deadline extension when what they actually need is a different seat on the bus?</p></li><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Culture Check: </strong>Are you running an organization that rewards grind until people burn out, or are you running one that ignores fit until your best talent simply loses interest?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Finally, the Move Forward: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The 90-Day Vision:</strong> If nothing changes in your current environment over the next 90 days, which is the greater risk to your legacy: that you’ll run out of steam, or that you’ll realize you’ve been climbing the wrong mountain?</p></li><li><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The ROI of You:</strong> As an executive, your judgment is your most valuable asset. Is your current state of exhaustion—whether from volume or friction—compromising the quality of the decisions you’re making for your company?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">Self-awareness is the executive's greatest competitive advantage.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p></div> <style>.fe-block-62c1441d109617e69ec8 {mix-blend-mode: ; }</style> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div> <div class="blog-meta-item blog-meta-item--tags" data-content-field="tags"> <span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/burnout" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--burnout" rel="tag">burnout</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/misalignment" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--misalignment" rel="tag">misalignment</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/leadership" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--leadership" rel="tag">leadership</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/career+coaching" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--career-coaching" rel="tag">career coaching</a></span> </div> <div class="blog-item-author-profile-wrapper" data-content-field="author"> <a href="/tec-podcast?author=617ae7024d577d7cd7e6f36a"> <span class="author-name">Lesa Edwards</span> </a> </div> </div> <section class="blog-item-comments"> <div class="blog-item-comments-toggle-wrapper"> <div id="blogItemCommentsContent" class="blog-item-comments-content" data-content-field="comments"> </div> </div> </section> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </article> <section id="itemPagination" class="item-pagination item-pagination--prev-next" data-collection-type="blog-side-by-side" > <a href="/tec-podcast/blog-what-to-do-when-role-unsustainable" class="item-pagination-link item-pagination-link--next"> <div class="pagination-title-wrapper"> <div class="visually-hidden">Next</div> <div class="item-pagination-prev-next">Next</div> <h2 class="item-pagination-title">What to Do When Your Senior Role Becomes Unsustainable</h2> </div> <div class="item-pagination-icon icon icon--stroke"> <svg class="caret-right-icon--small" viewBox="0 0 9 16"> <polyline fill="none" stroke-miterlimit="10" points="1.6,1.2 6.5,7.9 1.6,14.7"/> </svg> </div> </a> </section> </main> <footer class="sections" id="footer-sections" data-footer-sections> <section data-test="page-section" data-section-theme="" class='page-section full-bleed-section layout-engine-section background-width--full-bleed section-height--small content-width--wide horizontal-alignment--center vertical-alignment--middle ' data-section-id="68228c5ac280b87b4026bbc9" data-controller="SectionWrapperController" data-current-styles="{ "imageOverlayOpacity": 0.15, "backgroundWidth": "background-width--full-bleed", "sectionHeight": "section-height--small", "customSectionHeight": 10, "horizontalAlignment": "horizontal-alignment--center", "verticalAlignment": "vertical-alignment--middle", "contentWidth": "content-width--wide", "customContentWidth": 50, "sectionTheme": "", "sectionAnimation": "none", "backgroundMode": "image" }" data-current-context="{ "video": { "playbackSpeed": 0.5, "filter": 1, "filterStrength": 0, "zoom": 0, "videoSourceProvider": "none" }, "backgroundImageId": null, "backgroundMediaEffect": { "type": "none" }, "divider": { "enabled": false }, "typeName": "blog-side-by-side" }" data-animation="none" data-fluid-engine-section data-sqsp-section="fluid-engine" > <div class="section-border" > <div class="section-background"> </div> </div> <div class='content-wrapper' style=' ' > <div class="content" > <div data-fluid-engine="true"><style> .fe-68228c5ac280b87b4026bbc8 { --grid-gutter: calc(var(--sqs-mobile-site-gutter, 6vw) - 11.0px); 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The Differences Between Burnout and Misalignment Apr 9 Written By Lesa Edwards </div> </div></div><div class="sqs-block website-component-block sqs-block-website-component sqs-block-html html-block" data-block-css="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/0539d27a-3d6b-478f-b600-400d441b4e76_418/website.components.html.styles.css"]" data-block-scripts="["https://definitions.sqspcdn.com/website-component-definition/static-assets/website.components.html/0539d27a-3d6b-478f-b600-400d441b4e76_418/website.components.html.visitor.js"]" data-block-type="1337" data-definition-name="website.components.html" data-sqsp-block="text" id="block-62c1441d109617e69ec8"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-text-block-container"> <div class="sqs-html-content" data-sqsp-text-block-content><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> The previous episode of the podcast, #39, was on What to Do When Your Senior Role Becomes Unsustainable. I talk about how to create a plan for yourself that helps you avoid the overwhelm and misery of your job now – whether you choose to remain in that role or begin looking elsewhere. </p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">I thought a good companion episode to that content was how to identify the differences between burnout and misalignment. I want to talk about this from two perspectives: What this looks like in your own career, and how this looks for your direct reports. </p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">I got the idea for this episode from Mark Danaher, who has been a guest on my other podcast, The Exclusive Career Coach. If you’d like to read his LinkedIn newsletter post on this topic: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-job-disappeared-tomorrow-mark-hzsfe/?trackingId=e0YnPhLdRieD0U5OoUP4jA%3D%3D">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-job-disappeared-tomorrow-mark-hzsfe/?trackingId=e0YnPhLdRieD0U5OoUP4jA%3D%3D</a></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Let’s start with some definitions</strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout:</strong> A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It’s a "fuel" issue.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment:</strong> A lack of congruence between an individual’s values, strengths, or goals and their current role/company culture. It’s a "fit" issue.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Thesis:</strong> You cannot "rest" your way out of misalignment, and you cannot "pivot" your way out of burnout.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>How Do They Show Up in You as an Executive? </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout Signs:</strong> Irritability over small tasks, "brain fog," physical fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, and a cynical view toward previously enjoyed projects.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment Signs:</strong> Feeling like an impostor (because the role demands skills you don’t value), "Sunday Scaries" despite a manageable workload, and a sense of "Is this all there is?"</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Why Does Each Happen?</strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Burnout:</strong> The "Always On" culture, carry-over stress from high-stakes decision-making, and the isolation of the C-suite.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Misalignment:</strong> "Golden Handcuffs," outgrowing the company’s mission, or a shift in the organization’s values that no longer matches your own.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>What is the Solution? </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>For Burnout:</strong> Rigorous boundary setting. Radical delegation of "Energy Vampires" (tasks that drain you). Creating a Personal Retention Plan, as I talked about in the previous episode. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>For Misalignment:</strong> A values audit. Identifying where the friction lies. Is it the <em>industry</em>, the <em>company</em>, or the <em>specific seat</em>?</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Spotting the Difference in Your Direct Reports</strong></h4><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Burnout Employee:</strong> A high performer who is suddenly making sloppy mistakes or withdrawing. They look tired.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Misaligned Employee:</strong> A talented individual who is disengaged or "quiet quitting." They look bored or frustrated.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>What Should Your Response Be? </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Addressing Burnout:</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Action:</strong> Capacity planning.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Conversation:</strong> "How can we clear your plate to focus on the 20% that matters most?"</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Goal:</strong> Recovery.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Addressing Misalignment:</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Action:</strong> Job crafting or internal mobility.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Conversation:</strong> "What parts of your role feel most like work, and where do you feel you’re underutilizing your strengths?"</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Goal:</strong> Re-engagement or a graceful transition.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Strategic Implications </strong></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Cost of Misdiagnosis:</strong> If you give a misaligned person a month off, they will return just as unhappy. If you give a burned-out person a "more exciting" project, you might break them.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Executive’s Responsibility:</strong> Creating a culture where "alignment checks" are as common as performance reviews.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><h4 style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Great Questions to Ask Yourself</strong></h4><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>These questions are for you, the Executive: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Energy Audit: </strong>If you woke up tomorrow with a full tank of gas—completely rested and energized—would you still be excited about the specific problems you have to solve today? If the answer is no, you aren't burned out; you’re misaligned.</p></li><li><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Why vs. How:</strong> When you think about your work, are you frustrated by <em>how</em> much you have to do (Burnout), or are you struggling to remember <em>why</em> you are doing it in the first place (Misalignment)?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>These questions address your direct reports: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Talent Drain:</strong> Look at your top performer who seems to be slipping. Are you trying to fix their productivity with a deadline extension when what they actually need is a different seat on the bus?</p></li><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The Culture Check: </strong>Are you running an organization that rewards grind until people burn out, or are you running one that ignores fit until your best talent simply loses interest?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" class="sqsrte-large" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>Finally, the Move Forward: </strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default"><li><p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The 90-Day Vision:</strong> If nothing changes in your current environment over the next 90 days, which is the greater risk to your legacy: that you’ll run out of steam, or that you’ll realize you’ve been climbing the wrong mountain?</p></li><li><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"><strong>The ROI of You:</strong> As an executive, your judgment is your most valuable asset. Is your current state of exhaustion—whether from volume or friction—compromising the quality of the decisions you’re making for your company?</p></li></ul><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">Self-awareness is the executive's greatest competitive advantage.</p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="is-empty" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true"> </p></div> <style>.fe-block-62c1441d109617e69ec8 {mix-blend-mode: ; }</style> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div> <div class="blog-meta-item blog-meta-item--tags" data-content-field="tags"> <span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/burnout" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--burnout" rel="tag">burnout</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/misalignment" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--misalignment" rel="tag">misalignment</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/leadership" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--leadership" rel="tag">leadership</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/career+coaching" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--career-coaching" rel="tag">career coaching</a></span> </div> <div class="blog-item-author-profile-wrapper" data-content-field="author"> <a href="/tec-podcast?author=617ae7024d577d7cd7e6f36a"> <span class="author-name">Lesa Edwards</span> </a> </div> </div> <section class="blog-item-comments"> <div class="blog-item-comments-toggle-wrapper"> <div id="blogItemCommentsContent" class="blog-item-comments-content" data-content-field="comments"> </div> </div> </section> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </article> <section id="itemPagination" class="item-pagination item-pagination--prev-next" data-collection-type="blog-side-by-side" > <a href="/tec-podcast/blog-what-to-do-when-role-unsustainable" class="item-pagination-link item-pagination-link--next"> <div class="pagination-title-wrapper"> <div class="visually-hidden">Next</div> <div class="item-pagination-prev-next">Next</div> <h2 class="item-pagination-title">What to Do When Your Senior Role Becomes Unsustainable</h2> </div> <div class="item-pagination-icon icon icon--stroke"> <svg class="caret-right-icon--small" viewBox="0 0 9 16"> <polyline fill="none" stroke-miterlimit="10" points="1.6,1.2 6.5,7.9 1.6,14.7"/> </svg> </div> </a> </section> </main> <footer class="sections" id="footer-sections" data-footer-sections> <section data-test="page-section" data-section-theme="" class='page-section full-bleed-section layout-engine-section background-width--full-bleed section-height--small content-width--wide horizontal-alignment--center vertical-alignment--middle ' data-section-id="68228c5ac280b87b4026bbc9" data-controller="SectionWrapperController" data-current-styles="{ "imageOverlayOpacity": 0.15, "backgroundWidth": "background-width--full-bleed", "sectionHeight": "section-height--small", "customSectionHeight": 10, "horizontalAlignment": "horizontal-alignment--center", "verticalAlignment": "vertical-alignment--middle", "contentWidth": "content-width--wide", "customContentWidth": 50, "sectionTheme": "", "sectionAnimation": "none", "backgroundMode": "image" }" data-current-context="{ "video": { "playbackSpeed": 0.5, "filter": 1, "filterStrength": 0, "zoom": 0, "videoSourceProvider": "none" }, "backgroundImageId": null, "backgroundMediaEffect": { "type": "none" }, "divider": { "enabled": false }, "typeName": "blog-side-by-side" }" data-animation="none" data-fluid-engine-section data-sqsp-section="fluid-engine" > <div class="section-border" > <div class="section-background"> </div> </div> <div class='content-wrapper' style=' ' > <div class="content" > <div data-fluid-engine="true"><style> .fe-68228c5ac280b87b4026bbc8 { --grid-gutter: calc(var(--sqs-mobile-site-gutter, 6vw) - 11.0px); 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