Superhero Syndrome: 8 Signs of Overfunctioning at Work
And how to stop before you’re completely burnt out.
Luciana’s habit of over-functioning at work had helped build a multi-billion dollar business. She had spent over 15 years leading, organizing, staying late, and, if necessary, doing the work for everyone else. Now in her third year as Senior Vice President of communications for a manufacturing company, she felt totally and utterly burned out.
The only problem was that Luciana’s self-worth was deeply intertwined with her performance and reputation at work. She moved through the office as if it were her duty to remedy every problem, even if it was below her level or required her to pitch in on a project last minute.
At the end of most days, Luciana fell into bed with her husband, who often went to sleep hours before her, after working long into the night at the dining room table. Even though she was constantly exhausted and guilty about falling short as a mother, wife, and executive, she kept going anyway, hoping her stress would eventually resolve itself.
Luciana’s story exemplifies what over-functioning at work looks like. It’s a pattern I see in my work as a coach among Sensitive Strivers — high-achievers who are also highly sensitive.
