Leading into the future
During the pandemic, Executive Burnout has shifted into high gear. The extra strains of the pandemic including unclear expectations, pressure to perform in a time of uncertainty, lack of control, increased workload, and poor work / life balance all contribute to an environment of increased stress. The continual build up of stress leads to emotional exhaustion turning into chronic stress. Chronic stress becomes Burnout.
Clues you may be experiencing Executive Burnout
Burnout often shows up as a combination of two or more of the most common symptoms; anxiety, detachment, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and uncharacteristic mood shifts. Burnout can manifest physically as; exhaustion, headaches, stomach / digestive issues, difficulty sleeping, malaise, and increased general illness.
Burnout can usually be quickly diagnosed, but what if what we recognize as burnout is actually a deeper issue. The pandemic has brought attention to Executive Burnout and made it easier to discuss openly. The same cannot be said about another condition we often label as Executive Burnout - Existential Crisis.
In my coaching practice working with leaders I see more clients asking for coaching to address burnout that seems to be showing up a bit different than what we traditionally labeled as burnout. Some discovery reveals a struggle finding meaning or purpose in work and sometimes in life. There is often a conflict between espoused values and the way we act. When we ask for meaning the answer seems to be an echo from the void. The question “why” appears to be unanswerable. Overwhelmingly there is a desire for something more - more understanding, more meaning.
Existential crisis or existential dread has often been attributed to a dramatic loss or change. There is often an event or tramua that causes one to question meaning, purpose, and even mortality. For some the pandemic has brought loss; loss of employment, loss of connection, and in extreme cases loss of a loved one from COVID. But it is the prolonged uncertainty and perceived (or actual) loss of control that seems to be contributing to the rise of existential questioning amongst leaders. This is a new phenomenon for most of us and especially for leaders looking for a path through uncertainty. A return to normal seems to be a paradox, as normal is the path that brought us here. Instead we must ask, “how do we move forward?”
If you are in the throws of existential questioning, I can assure you you are not alone. There is hope.
First, where possible, reduce stress creating inputs. Take care of your health. And most important build and strengthen connections with others. A good leadership or executive coach is an ally in moving through this phase. It may be time to open up to some alternative approaches including altering your routine to include time in nature and connecting with loved ones. (A cautionary note: coaching is not therapy. If you remain in a downward spiral, are experiencing sever depression and/or anxiety, or are having sducidal thoughts please seek help from a mental health professional.)
Many clients are combining traditional and nature-based coaching activities along with some simple lifestyle tweaks allowing them to not only embrace but also leverage current challenges and find new value in living a fulfilled life as a leader.
You got this!
The Nature of Leadership - A journey to resilience. https://goo.gl/LEWUhV
I work with leaders and leadership teams who want to create the workplace of tomorrow today.
I also work with professionals who want to find more value and fulfillment as they embrace the second half of life.
#leadership #resiliency #leadershipdevelopment #selfawareness #stressmanagement #executivecoaching #leadershipcoaching #conflictmanagement #delegation #teamcoaching #teamdevelopment