New Ken Banta Substack Explores the Real Cause of Burnout–and What Leaders Can Do About It

Ken Banta, Founder and CEO of The Vanguard Network, has released a new Substack article titled “Burnout Doesn’t Come From Being Too Busy. It Comes From Feeling Powerless,” published December 3, 2025.

In this timely piece, Banta challenges one of the most common misconceptions about burnout: that it is driven by workload alone. Drawing on research and insights from business psychologist Dr. Sharon Melnick, the article reframes burnout as a loss of agency rather than a lack of time. The core driver, Banta argues, is diminished self-efficacy—the feeling that one’s actions no longer matter.

Through real-world leadership examples, the article shows how restoring clarity, influence, and a sense of control can reignite energy and purpose, even in high-pressure environments. Banta also underscores the leader’s role in shaping conditions that either drain or renew teams.

The article offers practical guidance for leaders seeking to prevent burnout by rebuilding trust, autonomy, and momentum in an increasingly volatile workplace.

To read the full article on Substack, click here.

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