Burn-out, bore-out or brown-out?
Can we still be saved? Only what makes sense can fulfill us! A comment.
"He gave everything for the company. Exemplary. We'll be sure to visit him in the clinic." Burnout has become a fad and, unlike depression, seems "suitable for business."
Nothing but "business-ready" terms?
Actually, burnout is absurd enough. Because people with self-confidence (often in leadership positions) work until they lose consciousness. Bore-out is just as dangerous, but actually even more absurd: people who are so underchallenged and bored in their work that they have to pretend to be busy because they are simply afraid of being fired. Relatively new to this duo is brown-out. This term is borrowed from the electricity industry and means a voltage drop. In the company, it refers to an employee who (insidiously) loses interest or enjoyment in his or her work. Mostly initiated by too many rules as well as the lack of creativity and meaning in his work.
Back to personal responsibility
So now we know how to name it: too much, too little, or an unfulfilling job. There are terms for all three situations. But how can we be saved? One word that many don't like to hear: Personal responsibility. This word also provides the solution: In the word responsibility is the word "locating." Analyze where you stand and whether you want to stand there at all. There is also the word "answer" in it. So answer the questions honestly: Why are you doing what you are doing? What are the consequences? How do you feel about it? And in the word responsibility there is also the word "do".
Talk about it
So come into action. Because it doesn't help anyone if you keep putting on the "show" and you eventually collapse behind the curtain. Even if this sounds simple, you often need a conversation partner. This doesn't necessarily have to be a coach. What's important is that you talk to someone about it. That's the beginning.
About the author: Stefan Dudas is a business expert for sense-making. The keynote speaker, coach and author lays the foundation for new ways of thinking in a humorous and profound way. His "Suxess System for Meaning-Based Management" conveys meaningfulness in leadership, communication as well as motivation. In December 2017, his new book "VOLL SINN - Nur was Sinn macht, kann uns erfüllen" was published. Further information: www.stefandudas.com
