Every day, your highest performers are quietly struggling—here’s how to spot it before it costs your team everything.
At a recent event, I asked someone how they were.
They smiled, shrugged and said,
“Yeah, I’m fine. Bit tired, but you know how it is.”
We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.
But behind those two words often sits a heavy truth.
Because what “I’m fine” usually means is:
- “I’m exhausted.”
- “I’m overwhelmed.”
- “I don’t feel seen.”
- “I’ve got no space to stop, let alone breathe.”
And in high-pressure workplaces, this lie doesn’t just hurt the individual. It affects your culture, your performance, and your business.
The Moment That Hit Me – Girona
I was in Girona with 260 people from across the globe. The physical challenge was intense, but the emotional shift was even greater.
I was paired with Inka. For six hours, we pushed through mountains, fatigue, and discomfort. But here’s the thing: we weren’t just climbing—we were connecting.
There was no small talk. No filters. Just truth.
We showed up for each other, fully. It reminded me:
“Everyone needs a tribe. A place to drop the mask.”
And too many people are working without one.
High Performance Has a Price
In the organisations I support, I regularly see:
- Brilliant leaders with no space for their own wellbeing
- Teams powering through despite signs of burnout
- Colleagues suffering in silence to protect their “professional” image
They’re productive. They’re present.
But they’re not well.
5 Tell-Tale Signs Someone Isn’t Really ‘Fine’
If you hear or see these, pay attention—they’re subtle signals someone might be struggling:
- “There’s just not enough time in the day”
Often a cry for help disguised as hustle. - Irritability or cutting humour
Sarcasm is sometimes easier than saying, “I’m not coping.” - Sudden withdrawal
When someone who’s normally chatty goes quiet, something’s shifted. - Noticeable change in energy or appearance
Fatigue and burnout show up physically too—if we’re willing to look. - Extreme productivity with no downtime
The person smashing targets might be hiding behind the workload.
These signs won’t scream. But they whisper. And great leaders hear them.
The Real Cost of Ignoring “I’m Fine”
Left unchallenged, this silent suffering becomes:
- Burnout
- Stress-related absence
- Talent loss
- Mental health crises
- Cultural erosion
And make no mistake—what feels “personal” quickly becomes a business problem.
Want to Lead Better? Drop the Mask First.
If we want high-performing, sustainable teams, we need cultures where it’s safe to be not OK.
That starts with leadership. With you.
- ✅ Ask deeper questions
- ✅ Reward honesty, not just results
- ✅ Build emotional safety alongside strategy
👉 Ready to create a culture where no one has to hide behind “I’m fine”?
Let’s build a resilience strategy that’s not just good for business—it’s essential for people.
📩 Message me to book a confidential 20-minute call.
P.S.
The strongest teams aren’t the ones with no problems. They’re the ones where people feel safe enough to say, “I need help.”
Be the leader who makes that possible.
Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing
I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.
I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!
Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!
