What do you do if burnout is impacting your effectiveness as an engineering manager?

1 Identify the sources of stress

The first step to deal with burnout is to identify the sources of stress that are causing it. These may vary depending on your situation, but some common ones for engineering managers are: unrealistic expectations, conflicting priorities, lack of autonomy, unclear goals, poor communication, insufficient resources, excessive workload, and constant interruptions. Once you have identified the sources of stress, you can prioritize them and decide which ones you can control, influence, or accept. For example, you may be able to control your schedule, influence your stakeholders, or accept some trade-offs.

2 Take care of yourself

The second step to deal with burnout is to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. It also means finding ways to relax, recharge, and cope with stress, such as meditation, hobbies, music, or therapy. Additionally, it means setting boundaries, saying no, and delegating tasks when necessary. By taking care of yourself, you can boost your energy, resilience, and mood, and prevent further deterioration of your health and well-being.

4 Reconnect with your purpose and values

The fourth step to deal with burnout is to reconnect with your purpose and values as an engineering manager. This means reminding yourself why you chose this career, what you enjoy about it, and what impact you want to make. It also means aligning your actions with your values, such as integrity, excellence, innovation, or collaboration. By reconnecting with your purpose and values, you can restore your passion, motivation, and satisfaction for your work.

5 Make changes and improvements

The fifth step to deal with burnout is to make changes and improvements in your work environment and processes. This means identifying and implementing solutions to the problems that are causing you stress, such as clarifying expectations, setting goals, improving communication, optimizing workflows, or requesting resources. It also means seeking and creating opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition, such as taking on new projects, acquiring new skills, or applying for promotions. By making changes and improvements, you can enhance your efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement as an engineering manager.