Avoiding Burnout
Burnout seems to be a phenomenon that effects working people in both good and challenging economic times. When the economy is strong and in growth mode, there’s a lot to do. When the economy changes, people get stressed. Either way self management is often the key to success regardless of what’s happening around them.
For example, The American economy was booming in early 2020. The all-time high for the Dow industrial average was set on February 12th 2020 at 29,551.42 (Investopedia). Then Covid hit and everything changed.
People and jobs were deemed essential or nonessential. Unknowns provided challenges we’ve never had to face before. Some of us had to do more with less, working long hours and navigating uncertainty. We devised new ways of working and have a new appreciation of what is called essential.
Inevitably things will rebound. For example, the Dow Jones industrial average closed within 3 percentage points of its all time high at 28,653.87 August 28th 2020 (Wall Street Journal DJIA).
Who would have believed six months ago, with everything happening in this country, that the Dow would be off only 897.55 points and at 97% of its all time high? Nevertheless here we are.
Earlier in 2020, I was speaking before a group of leaders in Orlando about leadership content. The topic included time management, prioritization and minimizing distractions. It was a great venue with a group of over 200 people. We were rolling right along when one of the participants seemed agitated, stopped the proceedings and very forcefully made his point. (There’s one in every crowd)
“OK then Lee, that all sounds good but what are we really supposed to do? How do we navigate being so overwhelmed without going crazy?”
It was actually the perfect question. And it required an immediate response. The answer to my overwhelmed colleague was:
We can: 1) work faster, 2) do less, 3) delegate – if that is an option, and 4) accept that not all the work will get done or re-establish priorities. That’s it.
Not understanding these options will almost certainly put that individual on a certain path to burnout and unhappiness. We can and should use these circumstances to drive leadership discussions up the chain of command with integrity, (that is a subject for another time.)
Watch Out For Burnout
Definition of burnout – exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
It is characterized by cynicism and ineffectiveness in the workplace often accompanied by chronic negative responses to stressful conditions at work, including:
- Emotional exhaustion, feeling tired, drained, frustrated and fatigued
- Detachment, caring less about coworkers or clients
- Loss of satisfaction in work or life in general
- Escapist behaviors, such as calling in sick, excessive drinking or spending
- Physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, or heart palpitations
Work-related causes of burnout (Helpguide.org. Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson)
Ultimately, we own our own vessel and must take responsibility for being burned out. However, there are things that poor leaders do to contribute to the path of burnout. To the extent we can, make the effort to mitigate these factors.
They include:
- Team members feeling like they have no control over their work
- Lack of recognition or reward for good work
- Unclear or overly demanding job expectations
- Monotony or mismatched job to skill levels
- Habitual high-pressure environment
Tips to Recover From Burnout
Many years ago I had a burnout that lasted the better part of six months. My diet had changed due to stress eating and I gained quite a bit of weight. I was headed down a very unhealthy path and had to change the status quo or it was going to change me, (maybe permanently). Here are my suggestions:
- Get connected – For me, the opposite of burn out was connection to people
- Get real – Put down the corporate song book long enough to take care of yourself
- Get physical – Watch what you eat and move your feet
I am happy to say the results in body, mind and spirit exceeded expectations.
Limit your contact with negative people.
Hanging out with negative-minded people who do nothing but complain will only drag down your mood and outlook. If you have to work with a negative person, try to limit the amount of time you spend together.
If you are going down this unhealthy path, stop! It’s time to be good to yourself. Takes steps, no matter how small to begin moving in the other direction. You and those who care about you will be glad you did!
