In the HBR article “Why Some People Get Burned Out and Others Don’t”, 35 Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) at 35 large hospitals were interviewed about their stress levels. Despite the finding that 69% of the CMOs describing their work-related stress as “severe, very severe, and worst possible”, the researchers also found that “the majority were NOT burned out according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory”. (The Maslach Burnout Inventory measures three dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment)
So what separates these people from those who are more prone to burnout?
One self-management strategy discussed in the article puts the focus on re-evaluating your perspective on the stressful situation. The best way to do this is to ask yourself: is this situation a threat to my existence, or is it simply a problem that demands a solution? (Hint: most of the time it is the latter). Through re-framing the thought in your head, you are entering problem-solving mode and transforming the stressor into a series of actionable steps that you can take to prevent, resolve or mitigate an unwanted or unwelcome event or outcome.
Barrington Centre’s Systems of Support (SoS) program offers a module that focuses on developing good work habits and includes strategies for effective problem solving during stressful times. Each module also comes with recommended reading and a series of activities to consolidate learning and equip participants with practical strategies to manage stressors and build resilience.
To express your interest in running the SoS program for your team, please contact Barrington Centre on 1300 857 363, or at info@barringtoncentre.com.