In her 15 years of working with executives, many of whom are burned-out leaders, career strategist Elena Rezanova says she’s identified several internal taboos that often define what she calls the “Superman style of leadership”— someone who takes on the burden of appearing to be able to fix any problem, no matter how unrealistic or unreasonable.
“Through my work with burned-out leaders, I’ve identified three internal taboos that often define this Superman style of leadership. These operate beneath the surface but have a significant impact. Recognizing and challenging them could be the first step toward a more sustainable approach to leadership,” writes the expert for Fast Company‘s most recent newsletter. Here, a summary of Rezanova’s taboos.
The Taboo Against Not Knowing
“This taboo pressures leaders to constantly appear in control, but false certainty in such an unpredictable world is dangerous,” Rezanova says, adding that burnout in this instance stems from “trying to project certainty in situations where there is none.”
The Taboo Against Losing Control
“The Superman mindset requires leaders to maintain tight control over their teams, their processes, and their outcomes. It creates an illusion that you’re responsible for everything, even if circumstances are beyond your control. These kinds of leaders see mistakes, failures, and setbacks as personal flaws,” writes Rezanova.
The Taboo Against Vulnerability
“Superman leaders believe they need to appear fine at all times, they need to be confident, energized, and unshakable. Vulnerability and mental health remain taboo topics for many leaders, despite growing awareness of their importance. But keeping up appearances comes at a cost.”
Leadership burnout is quite common, especially in high-stress roles that demand constant decision-making, responsibility for others, and long hours. Studies suggest that between 60% to 70% of executives experience burnout at some point in their careers, with some industries, like health care and tech, reporting even higher numbers.
To learn how to avoid the above taboos, be sure to read Elena Rezanova’s article for Fast Company.