Business

Avoiding Burnout

Burnout is regarded as a distinct type of stress related to demands on the job, and you can keep it at bay

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2021

Jeff Davidson

In this ever-changing, covid-plagued era, many people today are experiencing unprecedented pressures and stressors. As the stress builds up over time, these individuals suffer from burnout and feeling as if there is no time for their lives.

Burnout is a term that has made the rounds in business and general literature over the last decade and a half. It’s actually a unique type of stress that involves:

* diminished personal accomplishment,
* emotional exhaustion, and
* de-personalization.

Although researchers are still exploring the nature of burnout, it is widely regarded as a distinct type of stress related to demands on the job.

At Risk

Who is most susceptible to burnout? Those in helping professions, or in positions that have significant amounts of interpersonal contact. This includes people in customer service departments, municipal services, and health care.

While burnout is costly to organizations, unfortunately, those organizations in which employees feel the effects of burnout, often do little to be of service. How do you know if you’re heading for burnout, or are already there?

Have you been evaluating yourself negatively lately? Does it seem to you as if you’re not making any progress or have even lost ground? If you feel as if you are not as competent and successful doing your job as you have been in the past, you’re experiencing the sensation of diminished personal accomplishment.

Depersonalization

Another clue to burnout is depersonalization. This occurs when you rotely do what you’re supposed to, but withdraw emotionally from what you’re doing. In the health care industry, this could be characterized by a nurse who follows correct medical procedures, and is cordial with patients, but no longer cares about them on a personal basis.

In business, depersonalization can be seen as detachment, a blase attitude towards peers, clients, or customers, and perhaps to one’s organization in general. If you begin to see others as objects rather than human beings, beware, you could well be on the burnout path.

The third component of burnout is emotional exhaustion. Here, it feels as if you don’t have the capacity to respond emotionally to others. Your energy level is low. You are irritated or tense. You know that you can’t give of yourself like you have in the past. Following a long weekend, or time away from work, you still loathe the thought of going back to work.

Emotional exhaustion often is the first of the three characteristics to appear when you’re in danger of experiencing burnout. Long hours and heavy demands can drain your emotional resources. People who may have been optimistic about what they could achieve on the job, and had high expectations for themselves, are particularly susceptible to burnout as they begin to experience set-backs and frustrations.

Antidotes

Among the emerging antidotes are 1) the ability to know, observe, and be involved in the outcome of your efforts, and 2) the opportunity to engage in a self-evaluation.

The first remedy allows you to maintain a mental link between what you do and what results occur. Said another way, it’s highly stressful to work at a job all day long, perhaps interacting with many, many people, and not know if what you’ve done has been of value, or been appreciated.

The second remedy, self-evaluation, involves looking at what you do with some measure of objectivity, perhaps using a chart, checklist, or scale developed during less trying times, that includes most of the key components of your job description and responsibilities.

One of the best safeguards for not falling prey to burnout is to accept the input and advice from others. Your spouse, co-workers, and friends often are able to notice changes in your behavior that may be detrimental to your well-being, long before you are aware of them. Please, listen up when somebody says “take it easy.”

If you’ve ever saw Star Trek: the Next Generation, you know that when Counselor Troi told Captain Picard to take it easy, at first, he always resisted. Then, he relented, and followed her advice. Captain Picard, I postulate, never missed a day on the bridge due to burnout.

Tune Up the Old Bod

Particularly if you’ve been putting in long hours and facing high-expectations, schedule a regular preventative medical exam, complete with cardiovascular and cancer screening tests. Many people who appear to be in good shape find out the hard way, either through a heart attack or sudden death, that all was not well internally. You and I don’t have the capability to determine how well everything is going on inside, solely based on the way we feel and perform.

Some top athletes in our time, among them Pete Maravich, Hank Gathers, and Sergei Grinkov were in top physical condition, but perished at an early age because of long-standing coronary problems that went undetected. In some cases, well-conditioned athletes who act with unknown coronary problems, actually live years past the time when a non-athlete in the same condition would have lived.

By the time you reach your forties, and certainly mid-forties and fifties, heart disease becomes the leading cause of death. Heart disease is brought on by a variety of factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking too much, experiencing too much stress, getting too little rest and so on. Curiously, as more women rise to higher and higher ranks within organizations, the risk of heart disease rises as well.

Surrounded By Workaholics?

Despite the well-known, high prevalence of stress and burnout in the contemporary working world, and the resulting dangers, some organizations still maintain a culture in which employees have it tougher than it needs to be. Too many managers have the misguided notion that only wimps are stressed. These are the same managers who tend to give out stress in abundance. If only they knew that stress is real, and exacts a cost on both individuals and the organization.

Someday, organizations will be held responsible, both socially and legally, for the mental health and well-being of their employees. Until that day, you’ll probably need to accept it as a given that if you want to flourish in an otherwise potentially stressful environment, there are not many places you can look for help. You’re going to have to help yourself.

Suppose you work with a boss who unduly heaps piles of stuff on your desk with little or short notice? What are some of the strategies you can employ to keep your job, maintain your relation with your boss, and yet not be overwhelmed?

When Your Boss Wants You to Be a Workaholic

With great tact and professionalism offer these words, “I’m really over-committed right now, and if I take that on, I can’t do it justice.” Other appropriate responses:

* “I appreciate your confidence in me. I wouldn’t want to take this on knowing my other tasks and responsibilities right now would prohibit me from doing a great job.”

* “I’d be happy to handle this assignment for you but realistically I can’t do it without foregoing some other things I’m working on. Of tasks a and b which would you like me to do? Which can I put aside?”

* “I can do that for you. Will it be okay if I get back to you in the middle of next week? I currently have blank, blank, and blank in the queue.”

* “The number of tasks and complexity of assignments I’m handling is mounting. Perhaps we could look at a two or four week scenario of what’s most important to you, and when the assignments need to be completed, versus what I can realistically handle over that time period.”

Flexibility Matters

All the while, stay as flexible as possible. Frequently, your responsibilities and assignments will change. Your ability to adapt to your boss’s needs will go a long way in helping you flourish at your position, and diminish the feelings of being overwhelmed.

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Dinesh D’Souza Launching Conservative Business Network to Defund the Left

Why give your money to people who hate you? That’s like tipping your executioner.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2023

News Staff

Are you a conservative business person? Then check out the Red Referral Network and partner with Dinesh D’Souza by clicking the banner below:

For years, conservative icon Dinesh D’Souza has told his followers that we need to create “parallel economies” and stop funding the left. It’s true, right? Why give your money to people who hate you? That’s like tipping your executioner.

It is easy to boycott large companies like Nike, Target and Anhauser-Busch, but what about all of the small businesses and companies who take the profits you give them and fund leftist politicians? Think about it, you spend $30,000 on a new roof and your liberal roofer donates $3000 to leftists politicians and they stand in the public square and call you a racist, homophobic, sexist, transphobic insurrectionist! That make NO sense at all.

That’s about to end once and for all. It is time to cut off ALL leftwing businesses from our money. Introducing the Red Referral Network (RRN).

Dinesh has partnered with Motivational Speaker’s Hall of Fame Member Chris Widener to launch an exclusive business network for conservatives in business. There are three primary reasons to join the RRN:

1. Refer business and be referred business by fellow local conservatives. Don’t refer to lefties anymore – refer to those who share your values and beliefs.

2. Get weekly support and encouragement from other conservatives.

3. Get exclusive content each and every week from Dinesh D’Sousa made just for RRN members.

Registration is free and you can find out more about the Red Referral Network by clicking here.

Top Ten Reasons to Join a Networking Group:

Are you a conservative business person? Then check out the Red Referral Network and partner with Dinesh D’Souza by clicking the banner below:

Participating in a business referral network can offer numerous benefits for business professionals. Here are ten reasons why joining such a network can be advantageous:

Lead Generation: Business referral networks provide a structured environment for exchanging leads and referrals. Members can refer potential clients and customers to one another, fostering new business opportunities.

Increased Visibility: Being part of a referral network enhances your visibility within the local business community. As you actively engage and contribute, your business becomes more recognizable, leading to increased brand awareness.

Building Relationships: Networking is all about building relationships. Joining a referral network allows you to connect with like-minded professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to long-term business partnerships and collaborations.

Trust and Credibility: Referrals from trusted sources carry a higher level of credibility. Being a part of a referral network implies a level of trust among members, making the referrals more reliable and effective.

Diverse Skill Sets: Business referral networks often comprise professionals from various industries and backgrounds. This diversity can be advantageous, as it provides access to a wide range of skills, expertise, and perspectives that can benefit your business.

Professional Development: Engaging with other professionals in a referral network provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. You can gain insights into industry trends, best practices, and new technologies.

Resource Sharing: Members of a referral network can share resources, such as tools, software, or even office space. This can lead to cost savings and operational efficiencies for all involved.

Positive Influence: Surrounding yourself with motivated and successful individuals can have a positive impact on your own mindset and business strategies. A referral network can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.

Feedback and Advice: Business referral networks offer a supportive environment where members can seek feedback and advice from experienced professionals. This can be invaluable for overcoming challenges and making informed business decisions.

Community Involvement: Many referral networks are actively involved in community events and charitable activities. Joining such a network allows you to contribute to the community while also enhancing your business’s social responsibility image.

Remember, the success of a business referral network depends on active participation and genuine efforts to contribute to the network. Building relationships and providing value to others are key principles for maximizing the benefits of such networks.

Are you a conservative business person? Then check out the Red Referral Network and partner with Dinesh D’Souza by clicking the banner below:

Business

Why Conservative Capitalists Excel in Business

Published

2 months ago

October 13, 2023

Chris Widener

The world of business is a dynamic and complex arena where success depends on a combination of factors, including strategy, innovation, hard work, and adaptability. While various ideologies shape the landscape of entrepreneurship, conservative capitalists often stand out as exceptionally proficient in the business world. This article explores why conservative capitalists are often more successful in business and highlights the key principles and practices that contribute to their achievements.

I. Strong Embrace of Free Market Principles

Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept: Conservative capitalists firmly believe in the power of a free-market economy, as espoused by the renowned economist Adam Smith. They understand that when individuals are allowed to pursue their self-interest, the overall economy benefits. This principle guides their business decisions, allowing them to capitalize on market forces and competition.

Efficient resource allocation: Conservative capitalists prioritize efficiency in resource allocation, seeking to maximize their assets and investments. This approach enables them to minimize waste, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness.

II. Emphasis on Personal Responsibility

Accountability: One of the hallmarks of conservative capitalists is their unwavering commitment to personal responsibility. They believe that individuals, not the government, are responsible for their own success and failures. This mindset encourages prudent decision-making and risk management in business endeavors.

Risk-taking with caution: Conservative capitalists are not averse to taking risks, but they do so cautiously. They thoroughly analyze potential opportunities and pitfalls, ensuring that each risk is calculated and based on sound judgment. This approach minimizes reckless decisions and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.

III. Limited Government Intervention

Minimal regulatory burden: Conservative capitalists favor minimal government intervention in business affairs. They argue that excessive regulations can stifle innovation and economic growth. By advocating for less government involvement, they create an environment where businesses can thrive and prosper.

Lower taxes: Reduced taxation is a key principle for conservative capitalists. Lower taxes leave more capital in the hands of businesses, enabling them to invest in growth, create jobs, and contribute to economic prosperity.

IV. A Long-term Perspective

Sustainability and stability: Conservative capitalists take a long-term view of their businesses. They prioritize sustainability and stability over short-term gains. This approach allows them to weather economic downturns and build enduring enterprises.

Legacy building: Many conservative capitalists view their businesses as a legacy to be passed down to future generations. This motivates them to make prudent decisions that ensure the longevity and success of their enterprises.

V. Embrace of Traditional Values

Ethical leadership: Conservative capitalists often adhere to strong ethical values in their business practices. This commitment to ethical leadership fosters trust among customers, employees, and partners, which is essential for long-term success.

Respect for traditional institutions: Traditional values, such as family, community, and faith, are highly regarded by conservative capitalists. These values often drive their business decisions, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and community involvement.

VI. Adaptability and Innovation

Embracing change selectively: While conservative capitalists maintain traditional values, they are not resistant to change. They recognize the importance of adapting to evolving market conditions and technological advancements while staying true to their core principles.

Pragmatic innovation: Innovation is a cornerstone of business success, and conservative capitalists understand this. They invest in research and development and embrace technological advancements when they align with their business goals.

VII. Focus on Frugality

Efficient spending: Conservative capitalists are known for their frugality and conservative financial management. They scrutinize expenses, avoid unnecessary overhead, and prioritize cost-cutting measures, which ultimately leads to higher profitability.

Debt aversion: They tend to be cautious about accumulating debt, preferring to build their businesses on a solid financial foundation. This strategy reduces financial risk and ensures the sustainability of their enterprises.

Conclusion

Conservative capitalists have a strong track record of excelling in the business world due to their adherence to key principles and practices that promote success. Their commitment to free market principles, personal responsibility, limited government intervention, long-term planning, and ethical values sets them apart as formidable entrepreneurs. While every ideology has its merits and drawbacks, the conservative capitalist approach to business has consistently proven effective in achieving profitability, stability, and sustainability.