Big Think The #1 cause of burnout is not what you think | Liz Wiseman for Big Think+
Aug 31, 2025
Liz Wiseman, a researcher and executive advisor renowned for her book 'Impact Players,' reveals that burnout is not solely a result of heavy workloads. Instead, it stems from feeling undervalued in the workplace. She discusses the difference between those who succumb to burnout and those who thrive by self-generating their environment. Wiseman also emphasizes the importance of focusing on impactful work rather than merely increasing task volume, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes service to foster satisfaction and productivity.
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Burnout Comes From Low Impact
- Burnout arises more from feeling low impact than from sheer workload.
- People burn out when their work feels invisible, meaningless, or underutilized.
Meaningful Work Fuels Energy
- Work that feels visible and meaningful energizes people and sustains effort.
- Using your full skills on impactful work feels exhilarating rather than draining.
Work Differently To Increase Impact
- Increase your impact by changing how you work, not by working harder.
- Study your thinking and operating habits to create extraordinary differences in output.
