Executive Burnout: How to Recognize and Prevent It and Promote a Culture of Safety and Fun!
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INTRODUCTION
We’re diving deep into what it means to be a woman leader, what it means to be a mom, and what it means to try to balance it all - even though I think we all know balance is BS - and how to prevent burnout in our personal and professional lives. This is a very special episode, as we are hosting none other than my mom, Cheryl Craig, today. A wealth of knowledge stemming from her long career as a nurse, her years of leadership in healthcare, and as CEO of a health region, we’re thrilled to have her with us. Let’s dive in!
RECOGNIZING BURNOUT
Burnout can be sneaky. It can be happening to you without you knowing it because one of the first things to go on the road to burnout is your self-awareness. Our guest emphasizes the importance of defining your values and using them as a compass to navigate through conflicts and assess personal behaviors. Knowing that you are not being the person you want to be – whether you’re displaying anger or frustration – and assessing which personal value is being threatened that is causing this display.
AVOIDING BURNOUT
Women in leadership carry the responsibilities of the home in a heavier way. Our guest’s leadership coach challenged her to protect her personal time with her spouse, understanding the importance of separating her work time from her personal time. That’s why you have a team around you to carry the work. It’s not about having a great number of people around you but having the people who bring you the most joy. “Quarters rather than pennies – you're much better off having four quarters – four really close relationships – than 100 pennies.”
SUPPORTING HEALTHCARE WORKERS
When addressing burnout in healthcare, professionals need to know that they can and should reach out for support. How can we help? It’s never wrong to say, “thank you.” They need to know they are making a difference and that it doesn’t go unnoticed or unseen. The health authority also has the responsibility to ensure they are acknowledging the work that the healthcare professionals are doing and should have supports in place to really show that they care.
HANDLING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Sometimes you have to agree to disagree. Don’t try to influence others to change their deep-rooted beliefs; it’s not going to work. Find common ground with those around you, as that is what brings us together. There is far more that unites us than divides us. It’s also important to know that you don’t have to entertain every conversation. You can respectfully walk away if that’s what you need to do.
CULTIVATING HEALTHY TEAM CULTURE
It’s ok to have fun together! Find humour in ways that are healing; it’s ok to laugh. Poking fun at yourself as a leader can be a good place to start. It humanizes you and demonstrates to people that you aren’t perfect, and you aren’t striving to be. You’re going to show up and you’re going to show up with your flaws, and you’re going to laugh about it, and you’re going to do the best you can every day. Learn how to informally inject fun into the workplace, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. We’re human, we have feelings, and it’s ok to show those.
LESSONS FROM A FORMER CEO
Protect your time.
Recognize the importance of relationships, both personal and professional.
Bring out the strengths of the people that we love and build on those strengths. Help others be the best they can be.
Learn how to give grace to one another; we all have imperfections and sometimes they show up in ways we are unaware of. Give grace.
Thank you to our special guest, Cheryl Craig, for joining us and sharing such valuable insight. Remember to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Let’s get lit! 🔥