Section Twelve: The Manager as a Human – Between Work and Life, Between Power and Burnout
This one’s a bit different. We’re not talking structure or strategy here. We’re talking about you. Not your roles — Not “the manager” — But the human being doing the managing.
Is Being a Manager Just Constant Pressure?
So often, if you’re in a leadership role, people expect you to:
- Always be ready
- Always have the answers
- Always be strong
- Always take care of everyone
But who’s taking care of you?
No one really asks:
- Are you okay?
- Are you tired?
- Do you have support?
- What do you lean on when everything gets hard?
And that’s where a serious risk begins: Burnout.
What Does Burnout Feel Like?
Burnout means:
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Waking up late, even if you slept
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No energy for things you once loved
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Ignoring your messages
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Feeling like nothing is enough — even if you’re “successful”
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And most of all: a quiet voice in your head whispering:
“You can’t keep doing this.”
If this sounds familiar — you’re not alone.
Why Are Managers More at Risk?
Because:
- They carry the weight of decisions
- They deal with many types of people
- The responsibility is heavy
- They often stand alone at the top
- And… they forget themselves
Because “working” often gets mistaken for “moving forward.”
What Can Be Done? Not as a Technique—But as a Lifeline
1. Self-Awareness
That means knowing:
- What drains you
- What fuels you
- What burnout patterns show up in your behavior
- And when it’s time to say “no”
A lot of times you think you’re in control— but unconsciously, you’re burning yourself out.
Self-awareness means being honest with yourself— even when you’re successful.
2. Setting Boundaries
Not everything is work. And if everything becomes work, eventually everything breaks.
Having boundaries means:
- Clear work hours
- Turning off notifications
- Saying “no” with respect
- Protecting time for solitude, or for your family
If you don’t set outer boundaries, your inner ones will collapse.
3. Returning to Meaning
Management—if it’s only about numbers and projects—becomes exhausting. But if it’s connected to meaning—something that truly matters to you, an impact you want to leave—then your energy runs deeper.
Remind yourself:
- Why did I start this work in the first place?
- What kind of change am I here to create?
- And who am I—when I’m not working?
4. Supportive Relationships
Loneliness is the silent weakness of high-functioning leaders.
Even if you’re good at everything— if you don’t have someone you can speak honestly with, one day it all crumbles from the inside.
Make sure you have:
- A real friend
- A mentor
- A thinking circle
- Or even a therapist
Not for venting—for staying sane.
5. Small, Essential Pauses
- A one-hour walk
- A purposeless cup of tea
- A non-business book
- A guilt-free day off
- A full day without your phone
These aren’t luxuries. They’re fuel.
Personal Experience
I’ve stood at the edge of burnout more than once. Not because I was weak— but because I cared deeply about the work.
But I eventually realized: If I’m not okay, even the most meaningful work loses its meaning.
I learned to pause. To say “I don’t know.” To sleep when I need it.
And that— is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of maturity.
Mehdi’s Summary Style
A real leader’s first task is to manage themselves.
That means:
- Noticing when they’re drained
- Daring to ask for help
- Infusing work with meaning
- Setting boundaries
- And never forgetting themselves
Today’s Reflection
Write one sentence—just for you. Something only you understand. A sentence that reminds you why you started this path. Keep it close. Let it be your human reminder.
In the next section, we’ll dive into “Management from a Founder’s Perspective.” That point where you’re no longer just managing a team— You’re building something from scratch. With all its risks, solitude, and moments of deep joy.