In this episode, we dive deep into the burnout epidemic affecting today's leaders and what you can do to break free from this destructive cycle.

The Burnout Crisis Among Leaders

The statistics are alarming—76% of employees experience burnout, with mid-level leaders being especially vulnerable as they juggle multiple responsibilities. When a leader burns out, it creates a ripple effect, impacting team motivation, collaboration, and trust.

The True Cost of Burnout:

• Health impacts: persistent exhaustion and physical symptoms

• Emotional toll: negativity, cynicism, and loss of hope

• Organizational cost: reduced productivity and high turnover ($125-$190 billion in healthcare costs alone)

My Personal Burnout Journey

I share how my passion for my work gradually transformed into overwhelm as I took on too many roles, until I discovered the game-changing Pareto Principle—the idea that 20% of our activities generate 80% of our results.

Transformational Strategies to Beat Burnout:

• Identify what brings you real joy at work and prioritize these activities

• Use the TIE Tracker to conduct an activity audit (free download at clairelaughlin.com)

• Create a transparent workplan with specific deliverables

• Learn to ask "Can it wait?" before sacrificing personal time

• Schedule both focused work time and rejuvenation breaks

Remember, no one else can set boundaries for you. Taking ownership of your wellbeing is the first step toward breaking the burnout cycle and reclaiming your energy and joy at work.

Links Mentioned:

TIE (Time Impact Energy) Tracker Tool available on my Resource Page

Beat the Burnout Free Webinar - March 19th and 21st

THIS Leader Podcast Episode #4: Adding Strategic Value in Uncertain Times

Simplify, Amplify and Thrive! - My upcoming Masterclass starting March 31

Research Sources:

Goh, J., Pfeffer, J., & Zenios, S. (2015). "National Health Costs Could Decrease If Managers Reduce Work Stress." Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. Retrieved from https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/national-health-costs-could-decrease-if-managers-reduce-work-stress

Pavilion. (2022). "The Real Cost of Burnout." Pavilion Blog. Retrieved from https://www.joinpavilion.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-burnout

WebMD Editorial Team. (2023). "Burnout Symptoms and Signs." WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs

Gallup. (2020). Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures. Gallup Workplace Report.

In this episode, we explore how to re-energize teams that feel disconnected and flat in our post-pandemic workplace reality.

Understanding the Post-Pandemic Workplace Challenge

I introduce the concept of "pandemnesia" and examine how our adaptations to remote work have created:

• More meetings but less quality collaboration

• More communication channels but less genuine connection

• More work volume but less focus on impact

The Need for an Energy Reset: Rather than throwing out the positive changes we've made, we need a strategic reset that reclaims shared values while maintaining flexibility. This means creating intentional moments that rebuild energy and focus.

Strategy #1: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Based on Teresa Amabile's groundbreaking "Progress Principle" research, I share:

• Why even small wins dramatically boost inner work life and motivation

• How to implement weekly "Progress Check-ins" with minimal time investment

• A framework for "bookend huddles" that plan for and celebrate achievements

Strategy #2: Connect Before Content

Learn practical approaches to rebuild human connection in virtual settings:

• Starting meetings with thoughtful "Connection Questions" that transcend small talk

• How to create "Skills Spotlight" moments that position team members as experts

• Techniques for handling camera reluctance while still building psychological safety

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

I address the common concern that "this sounds great, but I don't have time," explaining how these strategies:

• Actually return time to leaders as teams become more self-sufficient

• Increase enjoyment of leadership roles

• Create workplaces where creativity and enthusiasm naturally flow

Resources Mentioned: Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The progress principle: Using small wins to ignite joy, engagement, and creativity at work. Harvard Business Review Press.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Check out my Resource Page for additional resources on team engagement and connection.

Send me your leadership questions: Contact Me

In this episode, we explore:

The Strategic Value Gap: Understanding why even accomplished professionals struggle to articulate how they're measured at work

The Job Pie Exercise: A visual tool to determine where your time and energy should be allocated for maximum impact

Practical Value-Adding Strategies:

• Creating your Strategic Value Proposition using ideal vs. real job allocation
• Implementing the TIE (Time, Impact, Energy) tracker to identify time drains
• Developing Quarterly Action Plans that demonstrate measurable outcomes

Building Professional Resilience:

• Designing a Strategic Development Blueprint
• Aligning your growth with organizational needs
• Having valuable conversations with managers about priorities

Action Steps for Immediate Implementation:

• Conducting your own Job Pie assessment
• Scheduling strategic alignment conversations
• Identifying your highest-impact development opportunities
• Shifting from "busy" to strategically valuable this week

TIE (Time Impact Energy) Tracker: Available on the Resource Page

Find out more about my upcoming free webinar: Beat the Burnout FREE Webinar

Send me your leadership questions: Contact Me

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