How do you recover from burnout???

Many leaders are experiencing burnout. Feeling the need to accomplish more with less, hit their KPI’s, and be the best version of themselves for their team while also balancing their role as a father, mother, brother, sister, friend, and/or community leader. The challenge is real.

That feeling of burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It often creeps up on you, slowly turning the fire of your drive and passion into a smoldering flicker. You start feeling like every day is a hard or bad day.

So, how do we tackle this? How do you keep firing on all cylinders without burning out?

Let's chat about that…

1. ?? Be Alert to the Early SignsListen to your body and mind. Are you constantly exhausted? Like you’re constantly running behind? Feeling cynical or detached? These could be your early warning signs. Pay attention to them. It's like when your car starts making a weird noise—you don't just crank up the radio volume and hope the noise goes away. You check under the hood.
2. ?? Set Brave BoundariesIn a world where being "always on" is seen as a badge of honor, it's crucial to set boundaries. Decide on your work hours and stick to them. Turn off notifications after a certain time. It's not about working less—it’s about Stephen Covey’s Habit #7 “Sharpen the Saw,” which means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—you. Remember, you're a human being, not a machine.
3. ???? Delegate for LeverageYou've got a team for a reason. Trust them. Identify where you may be over-functioning or micromanaging and put a plan in place to address it. Delegation isn't about offloading work you don't want to do. It's about empowering others. It helps them grow and takes unnecessary weight off your shoulders. It’s a win-win.
4. ?? Connect with Your CrewLeadership can feel lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Connect with your peers or find a mentor. Having someone to partner with is a game-changer. It's like having a workout buddy; they keep you motivated and call you out when you're slacking.
5. ?? Don't Skip the Pit StopsIn racing, pit stops are critical for winning. The same goes for leadership. Take breaks, go on an actual vacation, unplug, and truly disconnect. Use this time to fully recharge your batteries. Think of it as high-octane fuel for your leadership engine.
6. ?? Make Health a HabitYes, I'm talking about movement/exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition, but also hobbies and activities that make you feel alive and happy. Find your thing—whether it's woodworking, hiking, playing guitar, or time at the beach (??? this one happens to be my fave! ??). Make time for it. It's not selfish to invest in self-care; it's essential.
7. ???? Seek Professional SupportRecognizing the need for additional wisdom and support is a strength, not a weakness. Seek the help of a coach, or a therapist if needed. Think of them as your personal resilience trainers for your mental and emotional health. They can help you uncover limiting beliefs or self-sabotaging tendencies, identify strengths you can amplify, and provide strategies and tools to manage stress, frustration or burnout.

Recovering from burnout isn't simply about finding ways to do less; it's about being and doing things differently. It's about taking care of yourself…so that you can be the best version of yourself for those you lead and those you love.

Remember, leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. Here’s to keeping that fire burning bright, not burnt out!??

??‘Ask the Coach’ Corner??

Question: ??How can I support my team to take care of themselves during burnout?

Alissa’s Answer:

Taking the Lead in Self-Care is a Game-Changer for Your Team

When it comes to leading effectively, the power of example cannot be overstated.

Your actions speak louder than your words ever will.

But how do you nurture an environment where self-care becomes a shared value, especially in times of widespread burnout?

A June 2023 survey revealed that a staggering 22% of employees in the United States are confronting high levels of burnout. This is a clarion call for leaders everywhere.

If you're seeking ways to support your team, it's crucial to internalize a vital lesson: taking care of yourself is the first step to encouraging others to do the same.

?? Much like how putting our own oxygen mask on first if the cabin pressure changes in the airplane can feel a bit counter-intuitive…leaders must adjust to the idea that in order to really serve their team, they must take care of themselves first in order to have sustainable vision, inspiration, and energy for those they lead.

Be the Change You Wish to See

Simon Sinek encapsulates it brilliantly: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

This philosophy extends to the very core of our personal habits. Your team will emulate what they observe in you. Show that self-care is not just permissible; it's commendable. When you commit to your own well-being, you're not just improving your own performance—you're setting a precedent and example.

Take the time to reflect inwardly. Take stock of your own energy and how you are investing your time on what really matters to you? Consider conducting your own time and energy audit. This can be a revealing exercise, shedding light on the activities that either drain or replenish your well of inspiration and drive.

Leadership is a mosaic of inspiration and action. It’s about the commitment to grow—both as individuals and as a team. We must ask ourselves, "Are we just surviving, or are we thriving?" Inspire your team by thriving first.

Remember, burnout is a signal, not a sentence.

It beckons us to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. By actively demonstrating how self-care can be integrated into our professional lives, we inspire our teams to reach for the same.

This isn't just leadership; it's a transformational force that can redefine the workplace. Are you ready to be that leader? The time is now. Your team is watching.??

Alissa DeWitt, MCC, CPC, CERS,?is the Founder, CEO and?Executive Leadership Coach at Executive Impact, an organization dedicated to developing coach leaders and building leadership dream teams. With 30+ years in business and leadership, expertise in human behavior working with leaders from the front line to the C-Suite, and competencies as a Master Certified Coach, Alissa is the creator of ‘The Coach Approach to Leadership.'