From C-Suite To Burnout

The evidence of change is unmistakable and widespread, as fatigue becomes increasingly apparent. U.S. corporations, already navigating through high inflation, economic uncertainty, a shifting workforce, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, now face another significant hurdle: a notable rise in CEO transitions.

In May 2023 alone, 224 U.S.-based CEOs stepped down. A significant increase from the 147 departures in April and 49% more than the previous May. This data, compiled by executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, highlights a rising trend but leaves us questioning the underlying reasons. While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact causes, the impact of mental health issues and burnout cannot be overlooked.

Reflecting on my experiences, I found immense value in hiring an executive coach as I transitioned to full-time business ownership. The process, which involved techniques like visualization and establishing a morning routine, proved to be one of my most beneficial personal and professional investments.

In this edition of "Engineering 365," we will explore the tell-tale signs of burnout and strategies to counteract its effects through daily, weekly, and monthly practices.

Warning Signs of C-Suite Burnout:

• Frequent, unplanned early mornings or sleeping less than seven hours
• Persistently pushing through tasks despite visible fatigue and stress
• Recurring issues that indicate a lack of space, support, or focus
• Difficulty answering questions about personal downtime activities
• Uncharacteristic behavior changes, such as irritability or forgetfulness
• Noticeable physical changes, like weight gain or puffy eyes

Recognizing these signs is crucial for making health-conscious adjustments to work habits.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Burnout:

Step 1: Setting Boundaries

Objective: The main goal here is to prevent work from consuming all aspects of personal life, which can lead to burnout. How to Implement:

• Define Work Hours: Clearly define when you will start and end your workday. Resist the urge to work beyond these hours except in true emergencies.
• Communicate Expectations: Share your working hours with your team and encourage them to respect these limits in their interactions with you and also to set their own.
• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks during work hours. Use tools or methods like Eisenhower Box or the Pomodoro Technique to enhance productivity.
• Designate Downtime: Schedule regular breaks and ensure you have at least one full day off per week to unwind.

Step 2: Values

What values are being honored at work and in your personal life? Or, more importantly, which values are being disregarded? Our values are present when we feel happiest. When we’re out of sync with our values, we can feel depleted, aimless, and exhausted. To combat burnout, we have to be honest about what truly matters to us. How to Implement:

• Identify Core Values: List out what you value most in life and work. This could include integrity, innovation, compassion, family, etc. Remember, the goal isn’t for this list to be impressive — the goal is to help you get clear about what drives you.
• Assess Alignment: Regularly review your tasks and roles to ensure they align with these values. If discrepancies are found, consider how changes can be made.
• Make Decisions Based on Values: Use your values as a guide for making decisions, from small choices to major strategic directions.

Step 3: Visualization Techniques

Objective: Use mental imagery to reduce stress and improve focus on future goals. How to Implement:

• Daily Visualization: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing a successful outcome for your current projects or a stress-free environment.
• Guided Imagery Meditation: Use audio recordings or apps that guide you through peaceful scenarios to reduce stress.
• Future Self Visualization: Regularly imagine a conversation with your future self. Ask for advice or insights about overcoming current challenges.

Step 4: Track (And Observe) Your Time

Spend a few weeks keeping track of the tasks, activities, and rhythms that fill your day. Notice what gives you energy and what drains you. How to Implement:

• Log Activities: Keep a detailed log of your daily activities for a few weeks. Some apps can automate part of this tracking.
• Evaluate Energy Levels: Note how each type of activity affects your energy and mood. Identify which tasks drain you and which rejuvenate you.
• Adjust Schedules: Based on these observations, adjust your schedule to maximize time spent on energizing activities and minimize or delegate draining tasks.

Step 5: Passion Projects

Objective: Engage in activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfillment, helping to counteract the effects of job-related stress. How to Implement:

• Identify Interests: Reflect on activities that you find fulfilling and make you lose track of time.
• Schedule Regularly: Block out time in your schedule for these activities, treating them with the same importance as work meetings.
• Diversify Activities: Have a mix of solitary and social activities, physical and intellectual pursuits, to stimulate different aspects of your well-being.

Implementing these steps requires commitment and often a shift in how you manage your work and personal life. The idea is to create a balanced approach that sustains high performance without compromising mental and physical health.

If you've found value in this article and would like to continue getting 1x week notifications, I encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter.

Here are 3 ways that we can help you...

CTS carries out deep talent mapping, nationwide, to ensure our shortlists contain only the very best leaders for your Engineering and Manufacturing teams.

1.??????We help to attract and retain the best candidates, specifically for your team, in addition to the frontline leaders that you'll need for growth and stability.

2.??????Reduce the cost of acquiring and training new hires by supporting and enhancing the efforts of your onboarding team for the first 90 days.

3.??????Provide a zero-risk and no-cost assessment of your hiring strategies with a 15-minute consultation.