The Star Performer Meltdown

It's 2:47 PM on Thursday. You're reviewing Q3 numbers when your phone buzzes. It's Marcus, your top sales performer who single-handedly brought in 40% of last quarter's revenue. He's in Conference Room B and "needs to talk immediately."

When you arrive, Marcus is pacing, visibly shaken. "I can't do this anymore," he says, voice cracking. "The pressure, the targets... I haven't slept properly in weeks. I snapped at a client this morning. A major client." He sits down heavily. "I think I need to take a leave. Maybe quit."

Your mind races: The client he mentioned is your second-largest account, up for renewal next month. Your VP of Sales is expecting Marcus to close two critical deals before month-end. The rest of the team looks up to him. If he leaves, morale could crater. But the exhaustion in his eyes is real, and you've noticed he's been working past midnight most days.

Through the glass wall, you can see three team members glancing nervously toward the conference room. Your phone lights up. It's the VP of Sales calling.