The December 2025 Harvard Business Review article by Alyson Meister and Nele Dael explores the phenomenon of teams appearing to function well externally despite members feeling overwhelmed internally. The authors detail a high-performing manager’s experience where project deadlines were consistently met, and meetings were productive, yet the manager personally felt like “screaming” inside due to chronic stress. Symptoms included inability to sleep, concentration difficulties, and tasks feeling daunting. This case study represents a wider issue of hidden workplace stress not always visible through usual performance metrics or meeting efficiency. The article encourages organizations to look beyond surface-level indicators and foster awareness of mental health challenges. Recognizing these signs can prevent burnout and improve overall team well-being, contributing to sustainable productivity.