We love high achievers.
They’re the ones who go above and beyond. The ones who deliver in a crunch. The ones you can “count on” when the stakes are high.
But what if the very traits that make them stars also make them vulnerable?
The Double-Edged Sword of Overperformance
Behind every “go-to” employee is a complex reality:
- Constant overperformance can mask systemic problems.
- Taking on more can become a form of self-preservation—especially in toxic or ambiguous environments.
- High output becomes expected, not appreciated.
This isn’t sustainable. And eventually, overperformance becomes overextension.
Burnout Doesn’t Always Look Like Breakdown
Burnout doesn’t always come with red flags. It often shows up in subtle ways:
- Cynicism and emotional withdrawal
- Resentment at unrecognized effort
- A sense of isolation despite high visibility
- A quiet question: “Is this really worth it?”
High achievers tend to push through these signals—until they can’t.
And by the time burnout is visible, the damage is already done.
The Myth That Needs Breaking
We’ve been sold a myth: that the best employees are the busiest, the fastest, the most available.
But great work isn’t just about more.
It’s about sustainable, meaningful contribution—especially when it lifts others, not just personal metrics.
Performance without protection isn’t excellence. It’s erosion.
What Managers Can Do
Managers often celebrate results but miss the warning signs. To support high achievers before they burn out:
- Normalize effort boundaries, not just stretch goals
- Create space for reflection, not just reviews
- Track not only what gets done, but what it costs
- Build team systems that don’t rely on heroic individuals
Sometimes, your highest performer isn’t the one thriving.
They’re the one closest to a crash.
If you’re reading this, perhaps it’s time to assess whether your performance management process actually works. And there’s no better way than to get back to basics: https://makegreatworkvisible.com/what-is-performance-management-really/
If you want to learn more about us and what we do, check out this article: https://makegreatworkvisible.com/introducing-libra/