There must be times when you wish you weren't sitting at your desk, but instead wishing you were somewhere else, catching some fresh air or going for a gentle stroll to rid yourself of the pent up angst that's built up inside you? Life coach Stewart Stone awakens you to the signs of burnout before it's too late.
Stewart Stone, life coach:
"You’re passionate about your business, you work long hours, covering for sick colleagues, fighting fires, meeting the needs of demanding peers and an unsympathetic boss, but you’re in a senior position and this goes with the territory.Extreme tiredness begins to set in, and on those rare occasions when you’re back to see your children before bed, you fall asleep reading to them. You’re disciplined, you go to the gym before work to at least preserve your physical health. You no longer laugh much, the tiredness is overwhelming, holidays no longer provide respite, you’re still functioning - how effectively though? HR needs to be more aware of the impact of burnout within its own function, as well as within the staff it is meant to be looking after...
Senior managers tend to see burnout as a can of worms that is best left unopened. Stress and burnout are words that can be over used in and out of the workplace, so be careful not to ignore the signs.Burnout mainly strikes those who are deeply committed to, and passionate about, their work. You can only burn out if you have been alight in the first place. You can’t therefore stay away, as you have too great a sense of duty to those around you and the business you serve. The real damage from burnout comes from the deep sense of disillusionment that lies at its heart. When burnout sets in, people tend to keep going, and little seems wrong other than a sense of detachment, and a resistance to change.
Increasing tiredness means less energy, disenchantment with the organisation, frustration and anger. People tend to work through stressful situations and work long hours and weekends. Short-term this has few negative effects, but doing this long-term in an unsupportive environment will lead to burnout. Burnout in individuals says more about the conditions of an individual’s job than it does about them.
Ensure that a clear awareness and understanding of the symptoms of burnout exists at a senior level. Those key workers who are most likely to fall victim should be given early support and both their loyalty and hard work openly appreciated. Avoid poor usage of your most talented people, and keep them engaged.
When dealing with burnout, it helps to uncover then eliminate destructive behavioural and thinking patterns in your life so why not start using a life coach that can teach you about values, beliefs, purpose and most importantly, responsibility. You can learn how to accept what has happened and slowly begin to embrace the changes that have been forced upon you.
Life coaching is not therapy, but is an action-orientated partnership that releases your full potential. Working with a life coach helps you and your employees to set powerful goals, take responsibility, discover true values, rules and beliefs, as well as life purpose."
Comments (11)
Posted by Steve Miller | November 30, 2007 7:16 AM
Burnout will affect some people but is Life Coaching really the right solution in dealing with it? Business should educate managers in controlling the pressures felt by staff but an overplay on the stress label can often cause more problems for business because a culture of blaming everything on stress can be built.
Life Coaching does have its place as long as the coach is experienced, qualified and inspirational in the facilitation of the process. If you are considering life coaching check these things out before handing over money to someone who may lack credibility and oomph. Stay clear of cardigan wearers!
Posted on November 30, 2007 07:16
Posted by Lynne Lee | December 7, 2007 2:36 PM
"Business should educate managers in controlling the pressures felt by staff"
How many businesses actually do that?
People who are experincing burnout are often trying to be perfect - super mum, amazing wife, successful business woman... all at the same time.
Coaching can be a turning point, helping people to recognise what isn't so important, prioritise, let go and establish balance.
Most people spend years not living the life they could. Coaching helps people to recognise what they've been telling themselves about things, change the way they think and concentrate on what's important to them
Much better to enlist the services of a coach than allow burnout to lead to breakdown.
Lynne Lee
http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk
Posted on December 7, 2007 14:36
Posted by Lynne Lee | December 7, 2007 2:37 PM
"Business should educate managers in controlling the pressures felt by staff"
How many businesses actually do that?
People who are experincing burnout are often trying to be perfect - super mum, amazing wife, successful business woman... all at the same time.
Coaching can be a turning point, helping people to recognise what isn't so important, prioritise, let go and establish balance.
Most people spend years not living the life they could. Coaching helps people to recognise what they've been telling themselves about things, change the way they think and concentrate on what's important to them
Much better to enlist the services of a coach than allow burnout to lead to breakdown.
Lynne Lee
http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk
Posted on December 7, 2007 14:37
Posted by Denise Vogel | December 7, 2007 6:08 PM
Better a great cardigan wearer life coach that actually cares about the person than relying on the fact that the business may get a manager who cares about controlling the pressures the staff feel.
Posted on December 7, 2007 18:08
Posted by Neil Asher | December 8, 2007 11:33 PM
Great article Stewart, I've dealt with lots of people who say they have "burn out" only to find they are simply doing a job they no longer love... burn out is a state of mind and the key for coaches is to help them get back in touch with what's most important to them and transition their careers to a career that will inspire them again.
Posted on December 8, 2007 23:33
Posted by Steve Heneghan | December 10, 2007 10:57 PM
At last, someone who is prepared to say what we have all been thinking, burnout is just a convenient excuse and one that we have all probably been tempted to use...or we know some wimp who has used it. It is only by taking a stand, labelling the issue clearly and unambiguously and having the moral principles to address the situation head on that we are going to make any progress. It's yet another case of political correctness gone too far. The fact is, as cleverly pointed out by "dusty" Miller, it is people in cardigans that cause all the problems in business today, well said sir and may you never be short of oomph, money or credibility.
Steve (Arran, Cable stitch, leather buttons)
Posted on December 10, 2007 22:57
Posted by Stewart Stone | December 12, 2007 12:32 PM
People going through genuine burnout are unlikely to ask for help, as they get caught in the "must work even harder" trap.
Not wanting to be seen to "overplay the stress label", as mentioned by Steve Miller, they tough it out and become less productive with dire consequences for themselves and those around them.
Life Coaching being forward focused and practical, is well placed to help people facing demanding situations in the workplace.
When you choose an accountant, you need to ensure they are technically competent, and understand your needs. Likewise when choosing a coach they have to be both right for you, and properly trained.
As a former HR Director in a sales driven environment, I didn't wear a cardigan to work and can't really see the need for one now!
Mind you, as a coach I'm very open to new ideas,.....perhaps Steve will give me one of his unwanted Christmas cardigans, and I'll give it a go!!
Stewart Stone FCIPD
Posted on December 12, 2007 12:32
Posted by Aly | December 12, 2007 8:14 PM
What a great article. So many people experience burn out and generally the person experiencing it is the last to notice. Employers should increase awareness of this subject. Watching out for team colleagues and giving them a nudge from time to time if signs of burn out appear are great. It is about time more organisations looked at coaching as a forward thinking process which can enhance the company, it profits, and the wellbeing of the workforce. It should not all be about statistics and performance should be relevant to ability. You cannot stick a square peg in a round hole. We are all individuals and should be treat as such. Aly
Posted on December 12, 2007 20:14
Posted by neil kendrick | December 12, 2007 9:39 PM
You only get one chance at this life and setting realistic objectives to achieve a life work balance is crucial.
Coaching helps you gain perspective when businesses are treating you as a number and getting thir pound of flesh.
Well said and lets put the person back in the equation.
Posted on December 12, 2007 21:39
Posted by annie watsham | December 13, 2007 3:53 PM
Great words, and I've used Life Coaching as a tool to help several people through this exact state. I've found that when someone can summon the energy to get to talk to me despite their extreme burnout, then this really works!They are able to see the wood for the trees again and take control of their lives - magic!!
Annie Watsham, Personal Success Coach
Posted on December 13, 2007 15:53
Posted by Hetty de Haan | December 13, 2007 8:41 PM
I think what you have said is so true and not enough people recognise that they need help, or what a coach could do for them. I have found, as a confidence coach also that so many people believe that coaches are only for people who need help not for those who just want to improve something in their lives.
I have found that many businesses are doing a really good job whatever line of work they may be in but they can always do with improving things in one way or another. That's where I come in. I help them realise that what they are doing is great but they can always do they things better and therefore improve the situation in the office for everyone.
Well done for a great article, lets get this out there in the market place even more.
Posted on December 13, 2007 20:41