Burnout, Burros, & Horses (part 1 of 2)

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 What happens in a true burnout? A metamorphosis – a change in character, substance, and appearance. People who complain of burnout usually haven’t. They may have approached burnout, but they are not there yet. The person who has undergone true burnout has experienced an irreversible change. If a surgical nurse burns out, she will never go into the operating room again. She may do pediatric intensive care, or nursing in some other specialty, but she will not go into the operating room. She will have changed to the point that she, along with all those who work around her, will recognize that she is no longer capable of peak performance in the surgical suite. Top executives are often guilty of pushing their employees to the point of burnout. Their answer to the problem is usually to give the individual time off – perhaps even several months - to refresh him. But it doesn’t work. That light will not be lit again,. The person must be repositioned in another area. The person’s same talents remain, but he has lost ALL motivation for the old job and will not be able to regain it – it is an irreversible condition. Burnout is exactly what it sounds like – the ground has been leveled and scorched. All the fuel is gone. The fire cannot be re-lit. All people have a natural propensity as to how much work they will take on. It’s kind of like the difference between a burro and a horse. A horse loves to run. S/he will accept every assignment, take on incredible amounts of work and say no to nothing. A horse may work until s/he becomes ill, burns out, and possibly even loses its life. These people assume more and more duties well past the point of overload. To their credit, horses tend to be the 5% of the workforce that produces 50% of the work (and profits). In the end, however, they have much shorter tenures with a company and shorter lifespans! They cost the company in excess recruiting costs, training and personnel development, and severance pay. To be continued tomorrow… Suffering from burnout? Truth@Life can help you, regardless of your location. Call 248-396-6255 or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com for a free consultation. If you receive value from these blogs, please consider donating to keep this blog site up and running. This ministry cannot continue without the generous donations of its readers. Just click on the "Donate" button in the upper right. For more info on help I can provide check out http://truthatlife.com/ or email me directly at curtis.songer@gmail.com