Avoiding Burnout
In some ways it was a typical breakfast meeting. The waitresswas pleasant, the eggs were average, and the restaurant was fullof busy people. We shared a cup of black, coffee-like substance,and the first few times my client took a sip he managed to spillquite a bit of it. His trembling hand was just one of the symptomsof his burnout. That’s why we were meeting. He wanted to know if Icould help him.
I picked up a fork and explained that as long as I used it for eating,the fork would last indefinitely. However, if I began to use it todrive nails or dig trenches, it would soon break. The key was to useit for what it was designed to do.
The look in his eyes told me he got it, but I still went on to say thatpeople are like the fork. When they do what they are not designed to do,they eventually break.
Sure enough, his MAPP showed that he was designed to work on projectswhere there was a definite goal. He derived immense satisfaction fromreaching goals. He also needed to work by himself about half thetime. He was a scientist and enjoyed lab time, doing calculations,and interpreting test results.
What his job required on a day-to-day basis was another story. Hisprimary task was to supervise a dozen people and maintain operations.No goals. No projects. No time alone. Consequently, his job wassucking the life out of him.
Much credit for his recovery goes to his boss who was willing to changethe job content to fit the design of a valuable employee.
So how do you know if you, a loved one, or someone who reports to youis suffering from burnout? Here are the early warning signs.
1. chronic fatigue - exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
2. anger at those making demands
3. self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. cynicism, negativity, and irritability
5. a sense of being besieged
6. exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
7. frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
8. weight loss or gain
9. sleeplessness and depression
10. shortness of breath
11. suspiciousness
12. feelings of helplessness
13. increased degree of risk taking
Labels: self
posted by Arien @ 6:38 PM
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