“Burnout is not the opposite of success; it’s the companion to it. The more successful we are, the more likely we will experience burnout unless we learn to disconnect, say no, set boundaries, and make sleep a non-negotiable priority. In the long run, our wellbeing is the only sustainable competitive advantage.” – Arianna Huffington. 

Stress is the emotional, psychological, and physical strain experienced by leaders. It’s not just about feeling busy or overworked; it’s a more profound response to pressures that can threaten a leader’s wellbeing and affect performance. 

The causes of burnout for online community leaders could be a range of factors, including; 

• Managing a diverse community means a community leader must balance inclusion and boundaries. 

• Create a welcoming space for a wide range of personalities and viewpoints. 

• Enforce rules and prevent negativity or disruptive behavior. 

• Provide conflict resolution and be a good communicator. 

• They are constantly connecting members of the Community and being visible. 

• Pressure to be “always available” for members. 

• I am managing community engagement, misinformation, negativity, constant monitoring, and creating a positive environment. 

• Overwhelmed by members’ expectations, feel the need to provide for a larger audience than you are prepared for at the time. 

• Technical difficulty and challenges with technology. 

• Feeling isolated as a community leader differs significantly from a physical office. 

Impact on Personal wellbeing 

• Physical health – headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, IBS, weakened immune system, increased risk of stroke and diabetes.  

• Mental health – anxiety, depression, and burnout. 

• Relationships are complex to maintain and lead to conflict and other challenges. 

Impact on Community 

• Reduced leader effectiveness – neglect the Community needs

• Loss of passion and a decline in vibrancy 

• Negative impact on member experience – less patience, less support, members might disengage 

• Reduced community growth and engagement – if it’s not progression 

It might be hard to:

• Address negativity 

• Keep the Community active 

• Welcome new members 

• Engaging new content 

• Finding the member’s interest 

Develop clear guidelines 

• Empower your members – train them to help with the community responsibilities 

• Encourage ownership and positive environments 

Constant Connectivity and Visibility 

• Set boundaries 

• Utilize communication tools 

• Embrace offline time 

Managing Community Engagement 

• Delegate tasks 

• Embrace a content calendar 

• Diversify your approach 

• Shared responsibility 

Plan content and activities in advance 

• Plan, if possible, maybe three months at a time. 

• Think about what you have coming up! 

Stay informed 

• Familiarize yourself with the technical platform and updates. 

• Test out new features or a new community tech tool. 

• Schedule a virtual social event like a “Happy Hour” that helps reduce isolation.

• Be open with your Community; vulnerability is a way to relate to others. 

• Get out of your comfort zone, find ways to get outside, and meet new people. 

• Try to go to a different place to work! 

Mindfulness as a tool for stress management 

Practice meditation 

• Try different meditation techniques 

• Start with short sessions 

• Find a quiet and comfortable space – it can be anywhere 

Apps to try

• 10 Percent Happier 

• Insight Timer 

• Nerva 

Send questions or comments to [email protected].