Coaching conversations with my clients have shifted from strategy, developing their teams and results to questioning their career choice or complete burnout. In fact, one of my newest clients shared that this was the first time they had been asked “How they are doing?” since COVID began. After a while, the adrenaline leaves and you are faced with your job.
It is a scary and vulnerable thing to admit that you may be burned out especially in America. We typically just figure things out and work harder. Why would you want to express weakness? The current American climate has opened the door for honest reflection and conversation. Many leaders are ready to engage in the conversation and examine their careers and vision more fully.
Burnout is caused by three major sources – lack of job resources, poor personal boundary setting and terrible bosses.
Lack of Job Resources – This includes training, employee assistance programs, manager support and job interventions. Employers that lack these fantastic culture building options can expect their people to burnout or derail. What job resources are available to you? And if you are a leader, what resources are you providing your employees?
Personal Boundary Setting – A boundary is about clarifying your ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ Just like property boundaries, they have a clear start and stop. For example: just because you are asked to do something that doesn’t mean you have to say ‘yes,’ yet many leaders feel like they lack control. A lack of control or the sense that you can set a boundary can accelerate job stress and burnout.
Terrible Bosses– The great bosses engage their people and spend time with them. They are the bosses you fondly remember. They are the ones that inspired you or helped you move forward in your career. Be the boss that asks your team how they are doing.
The research on burnout suggests that these 3 areas are critical for employees to avoid burnout. The one item not included in the burnout research is the importance of owning your own career. It is important for you to start with your career vision. Check out our Career Video to learn more.
Here are a few questions to help you consider your career future – Look ahead ten years from now and answer the following questions –
- How is your work described?
- What are your main responsibilities?
- What would a video camera capture as you work at your best?
- What type of environment are you in and who are you with?
- What outcomes are you creating in your next role?
- What emotions are you experiencing at work?
Thoughtful responses to these questions are the beginning of your career vision. You deserve to be at your best deploying your strengths for the betterment of your business and others.
Tags: #BURNOUT