Burnout occurs when we try to do all things and be all things to all people. When we bite off more than we can chew and much more than we can digest. When we are running 100 miles an hour and need to reduce speed and take a rest, but we ignore the warning sign and keep going. Burnout occurs when we fail to acquire the skill to shape our lips and say No.
Burnout has three definitions that I would like for us to consider. The first two are from the Oxford dictionary.
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the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.
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the failure of an electrical device or component through overheating.
The third is from http://www.helpguide.org which defines burnout as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. … Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.”
Together these definitions describe a situation where an individual is physically and psychologically drained. This is not a desirable state in high performance individuals or organizations. We are more productive and more valuable to our company and families if we develop strategies to preserve our overall health.
I coined the phrase, “we will kill you if you let us.” This was spoken because I saw people with good intentions, deny their families, allow the workplace to encroach into their living rooms by failing to structure their time and priorities properly. They refused to delegate or ask for help when the workload was too high.
When the burden is great and before it is too late, we must slow down. Review the poem, Slow Down and make a list of tactics you will use to improve work/ life effectiveness. This is a phrase that many organizations use instead of work life balance, because they realize that balance may not be possible.
Slow down
How many signals do you need?
A mind is tired,
A body fatigued;
A heart is idling
At high speeds;
As you push harder
To succeed.
You’ve seen examples
Of careers,
That crashed and burned
In overdrive.
You’ve seen the sorrow
In your peers,
Who lived each day,
But never alive.
You better slow down
Before you go down
For the count.
You’re running red lights
And go to bed nights
With what amounts
To a weary heart.
How long have you seen
Warning signs?
How long have you been
Scorning signs?
You awake and
The morning lines,
Are unkind,
For you can’t unwind.
You better slow down
And get the low down
On your soul.
Don’t let the red zone
Lead to a headstone
On the goal.
How many signals do you need?
A mind is tired,
A body fatigued;
A heart is idling
At high speeds;
Create the balance
And succeed.
Copyright © 2001 Orlando Ceaser
Reprinted from Leadership Above The Rim
By Orlando Ceaser
Personal Reflections
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What can you do today to slow down?
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What activities can you remove from your plate as you delegate?
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Who do you know that has a reputation for being well organized?
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What books or other resources can you on time management?
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How do you prioritize what’s important to accomplish?
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How can you need more of your work at work?
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Do you schedule time with your family?
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Do you schedule time with your spouse to decompress and relax?
Leadership for the Soul 