Day 17 – Burnout’s Real—Coaching Can Help Your Team Beat It

Ever Seen Your Team Running on Fumes?

You notice the signs: your team’s dragging—eyes glazed, tempers short, and the usual spark is gone. They’re still showing up, but they’re not really there. If you’re a first-line or mid-level leader, you’ve likely spotted burnout creeping in, especially during crunch times. It’s not just a bad week—it’s a warning sign, and ignoring it can lead to a crash.

Why Burnout Matters (and How Coaching Stops It)

Welcome to Day 17 of Coaching Corner Daily! Today, we’re tackling a silent team-killer: burnout. Stressed teams don’t just underperform—they break. Coaching helps you spot the warning signs early and rebuild balance before it’s too late. Whether you’re leading a healthcare unit or a tech crew, these three steps will help you coach your team back to health, keeping them engaged and effective.

Three Steps to Coach Away Burnout

1. Spot the Signs Early

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it sneaks in. Look for clues: missed deadlines, irritability, or disengagement. Coaching starts with checking in: “How are you holding up with everything on your plate?” Imagine a sales team grinding through a high-pressure quarter. You ask, and one rep admits they’re overwhelmed by constant client calls. That’s your cue to act. A 2022 Deloitte study found that 77% of workers have experienced burnout—spotting it early can stop the spiral.

2. Help Them Set Boundaries

Burnout often comes from blurred lines—work bleeding into life, or taking on too much. Coaching helps them draw those lines with questions like: “What’s one thing you can say no to this week?” or “How can we balance your workload?” Picture a healthcare team working overtime during a flu surge. You ask, and a nurse realizes they can delegate minor tasks to support staff. That small boundary gives them breathing room.

Setting limits isn’t slacking—it’s survival, and it keeps them in the game longer.

3. Prioritize Recovery with Small Wins

Burnout recovery isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about small, intentional steps. Ask: “What’s one thing that would help you recharge?” or “What’s a quick win we can celebrate?” Say a tech team’s been debugging non-stop. You ask, and they suggest a 15-minute team walk to clear their heads. You make it happen, and they come back sharper, even nailing a fix that day. Harvard Business Review notes that small recovery breaks can boost productivity by 20%. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.

Your 5-Minute Burnout Check-In Challenge

Take five minutes today to check in with your team. Ask: “What’s been the most draining part of your week?” Listen, then pick one small action to ease the load—like cutting a non-essential meeting or giving them an early sign-off one day. It’s a quick way to show you care and help them reset.

Tomorrow, Day 18: “What’s Next for Coaching? Trends Every Leader Should Know.” Because coaching isn’t static—let’s explore how it’s evolving to keep you ahead. See you then!

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Much appreciated!

Dr. Kartik Bhavsar, “Coach KB”