Learn how to overcome burnout in order to maximize your leadership potential as an individual.
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Burnout is an increasingly common phenomenon among employees across the world. As the scales of work-life balance tilt increasingly towards work, many find themselves feeling more stressed, unproductive and unmotivated. This happens even to those who find their work to be meaningful and fulfilling. Leaders, due to the nature of their work, are at greater risk of experiencing burnout than employees who are not in leadership roles.
How to Prevent Leadership Burnout
Prevention is better than cure. However, managers and senior leaders are one of the most neglected categories of employees when it comes to motivation, stress and self-management discussions. By learning to identify the signs of burnout, leaders can work actively to prevent it from happening to them. One of the things they can do to sustain their passion & motivation at work is to periodically unplug their work devices. By dedicating some time for themselves and their loved ones without constantly checking their phones and laptops, they can get refreshed and re-energized. Here are some other tips to prevent burnout among leaders and senior professionals.
Overcoming Burnout
However, sometimes, leaders do fall prey to burnout despite mechanisms to prevent it. In this case, one can take the following steps to overcome burnout and get back on track:
1. Schedule time for yourself
2. Do not bring your work home
3. Check your emails / messages only during specific times
4. Take care of your mental & physical well being
5. Delegate tasks and avoid micromanaging your team members
6. Cultivate non-work related friendships & hobbies
Burnout doesn't only affect you - its consequences can cascade down to your team's morale and performance as well. By becoming aware of the signs of the onset of burnout, you can take measures to overcome it effectively without derailing yourself, your team and your organization.
Questions for Reflection
What other signs of burnout have you noticed / experienced?
How does burnout affect your performance as a leader?
At nkoach, we work with executives and senior professionals who are transitioning to leadership roles and navigating critical career transitions. At these junctures in your career, engaging an executive coach can help you in leadership development, stakeholder management, increasing productivity, and managing overwhelm. Visit www.nkoach.com to learn more and schedule a no-obligation free session with an experienced executive coach.
