Help ... Your Boss Is Burned Out?

Is it difficult to get your boss to pay attention to you these days? Maybe they’re taking long lunches and ducking calls from clients. Maybe you’re afraid to ask any questions because they’ve been extra critical lately.

This lack of enthusiasm could mean that your boss is burning out. It’s common these days. “Almost 96% of senior leaders reported feeling burned out on some level, and 33% said their condition was extreme,” according to a recent study by Harvard Medical School.

Before you hand in your resignation, try to address the situation. Consider these ideas for steps you can take to deal with a boss who may be exhausted and overwhelmed. The last thing you want to do is "jump out of the frying pan into the fire"! Everyone is under unusual stress these days, and what looks like "greener grass" is bound to have its own set of problems and challenges.

Steps to Make Yourself:

1. Practice self-care. Working in a tense environment can affect your health, so stick to a lifestyle that will keep you strong and fit. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Manage stress and aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
2. Have fun. Studies show that burnout can be highly contagious. Boost your spirits by looking on the bright side and finding opportunities to laugh. It also helps to engage in activities that engage your creativity. Remember, your job is important, but there is much more to your life than your work. Your friends, family, and outside interests are also a big part of your life.
3. Consult your colleagues. Find out what your coworkers are thinking. You may be able to work together to share support and make the atmosphere more pleasant. Perhaps there is a "collective" way to reduce the overall stress and challenges of the situation? However, AVOID gossip and starting rumors. The idea is to look for ways to improve the situation, not make it worse!
4. Find a mentor. If your boss is distancing themselves at least temporarily, you may want to look for other sources of mentoring and coaching. Look through your network for contacts you admire. Make new connections through social media and industry events.
5. Explore other resources. What if the situation is more than you and your coworkers can handle? Research your options. You may want to ask your HR department to intervene or you may want to talk with a professional therapist. 

Steps To Take With Your Boss:

1. Examine the causes. The symptoms of burnout can be easily confused with other issues like routine job stress or an upsetting event like divorce. Even if burnout is involved, your response may vary depending on whether the issues are related to business or your boss’s personality.
2. Talk it over. Your relationship and level of trust will determine what kind of conversation to have with your boss. If you're close, maybe they'll be open to candid feedback. If you’re less familiar with each other, you can still discuss specific behaviors and changes you need to help you do your job well.
3. Listen closely. Remember that your boss is human. Just helping them to feel understood may lead to greater harmony. You’ll gain more insights into what’s happening and how to deal with it.
4. Provide validation. Even if you and your boss disagree, you can still show them that you care about their feelings and experiences. Let them know that you recognize and accept their emotions.
5. Be kind. Your boss may appreciate thoughtful gestures. Offer to bring them back a cup of coffee when you’re making or buying one for yourself. Compliment them on their new haircut.
6. Take the initiative. On a practical level, your boss may need someone to take over some of their usual responsibilities. Assess the current workload and make specific suggestions about where you can pitch in. Offering to help or take on more, even temporarily, could be a great stress reliever for him or her.
7. Set boundaries. At the same time, you need to protect your own health and career. Honor your limits to avoid putting yourself at risk for burnout too. You cannot afford to cross lines of personal information or confidential situations.

You may be able to adapt while your boss resolves the situation, or you may need to move on if your working conditions start having a negative effect on your overall wellbeing. Staying positive and keeping up with your responsibilities will help you to support your boss and keep your career on track.

About the Author: Patrick Laforet is a senior recruiter with over 25 years of experience placing sales, marketing and senior management positions all across North America with a particular focus on the Franchise Industry. He has been described as a "Trusted Advisor" by many of his clients. Pat is also the owner of www.911forjobhunters.com where he delivers online training and coaching.

[email protected] LinkedIn Profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/hirepatlaforet/

Author of Job Search Secrets 2020: www.911forjobhunters.com visit our site for more free resources.