More than half (53%) of American managers report feeling burned out at work, according to a study commissioned by Microsoft. The rising sense of discontent appears driven by the cross-pressures leaders now face across industries and organizations, from supply chain challenges and talent shortages to concerns about the disruptive (and still largely unknown) impact of artificial intelligence.
Fortunately, leaders have the tools to reduce burnout and establish sustainable, productive rhythms in their own workflows and across their entire teams. Whether you are already a senior leader or “merely” a rising star hoping to make a real impact in the years to come, you can use these tools to your benefit.
You don’t have to look far for examples to emulate. Start with longtime leaders of large organizations — people like David Miscavige, who has spent the better part of four decades shepherding his religion through a period of steady growth as the world changed around him.
Next, apply those learnings in your own career. Follow these guidelines to plot a more sustainable and rewarding path up the ladder of responsibility.
Understand How You Work Best
Maybe you do your best work early in the morning. Perhaps you are a night owl. Or someone who is most productive working in quick bursts of activity mixed in with short breaks for chores, exercise or quiet reflection.
You know your preferences better than anyone. Maybe so well that you don’t really think about them anymore. In that case, bring them to the fore once again and develop a workday routine in alignment. That is your framework for a smooth and fruitful rise through your organization.
Know Your Limits
Knowing how you work best is necessary but not sufficient in your quest to do more — and better — in your role. You must also know your limits, and make sure others know them too.
That is why it is important to be transparent and upfront with your supervisor about both “hard” and “soft” boundaries at work, says Forbes contributor and human resources expert Caroline Castrillon
“Don’t just explain what your boundaries are but also why you need them. Be honest so that your manager and colleagues understand your perspective,” she says. “For instance, if you don't want to be contacted on vacation unless it is urgent, outline what constitutes an emergency.”
Develop A Strong Working Relationship With Your Supervisor
Communicating your limits and boundaries to your supervisor is easier when you have a good working relationship. Check in with them often to confirm that you are still meeting their expectations and ask whether you can do anything to make their job easier. Expect the same in return. This goes the other way, too. Your direct reports expect similar treatment, and giving it to them ensures you don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own.
Build (Or Rebuild) A Solid Support Network Outside Work
Your work is not the be-all, end-all of your life. Regardless of your importance to the organization. You must have an identity outside the office, for your career’s sake and for your personal well-being, experts say.
“Research has shown that there are tremendous benefits in having a network of supportive relationships: Those with robust social support networks have better health, longer lives, and higher well-being,” mental health experts Dr. Kisha Braithwaite and Dr. M.B. Gooden say in Psychology Today.
Those benefits don’t sound like they will help you ascend the company ladder. But they may just keep the journey tolerable.
Use Your Allotted Time Off
And don’t feel like you have to apologize for it. If you are made to feel guilty about disconnecting from work, consider that a blinking yellow light warning of trouble ahead.
Mind you, “time off” needn’t be extravagant. A day or two away from work can do wonders for your state of mind. The point is that you should use your full paid time off allowance, whether that is the U.S. average of about 15 days per year or something more generous.
Steady As It Goes
They say life is short, but the days are long. Or maybe it is the other way around.
Whichever way you prefer, two things can be true. One, you need to act with some urgency if you want to accomplish your goals. And two, your career is not a sprint to the finish line but something more like a marathon or long-distance relay race.
In other words, you need to move quickly but steadily in your professional life, neither trying to do everything all at once nor waiting for others to do the work for you. Strike this balance and you may just avoid the burnout afflicting your peers.
