Forbes June 2026 Feature: ​How To Lead When A High Performer Is Grieving And Still Showing Up By Dr. Simbiat Adighije

​I lost my beloved mother suddenly and returned to work the very next day—because that’s what high performers often do. On the outside, I looked dependable and productive. On the inside, I was carrying grief that did not match what anyone could see.

That story matters at work because leaders tend to look for clear signs that someone is struggling, such as missed deadlines, visible distress or a request for time off. Many grieving employees never show those signals—especially the ones you rely on most. They keep delivering while their capacity shrinks, and the organization mistakes output for well-being.

Your job is not to fix grief; your job is to lead through a temporary capacity shift with steadiness and clarity so performance stays stable and the relationship stays intact. Read more on Forbes.com