forbes.com
Preventing Burnout in High-Achievers: A New Formula for Success
Deloitte research reveals 82% of CEOs experience burnout, negatively impacting mental health; a new formula, focusing on effort and results, helps prevent this, even with suboptimal outcomes.
- What is the primary cause of burnout among high performers, and what are its consequences?
- High performers often experience burnout due to pursuing others' definitions of success, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to quit when expectations aren't met. This is compounded by misalignment with industry goals or work environments.
- How does the 'effort + results' formula help mitigate burnout, and what specific examples illustrate its application?
- The formula encourages focusing on personal growth and preparing for future goals, rather than solely on immediate outcomes. The author's transition from top salesman to starting his own company exemplifies this—using sales experience to build business and leadership skills.
- What are the long-term implications of aligning one's efforts with a self-defined notion of success, and how can this approach prevent future burnout?
- Aligning with personal goals leads to a proactive approach to challenges. Viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and preparation prevents burnout. By prioritizing personal growth, high-achievers can sustain success and avoid the pitfalls of chasing external validation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article promotes a specific formula for success ('ER' = effort + results) to avoid burnout, potentially neglecting other approaches or perspectives on achieving work-life balance. The framing emphasizes the author's personal experience and formula as the primary solution, potentially overlooking the complexity of burnout and success.
Language Bias
The language used is generally motivational and positive, but terms like "top performers," "highest levels of burnout," and "top dog" could be seen as loaded, implying a hierarchical and competitive view of success. The phrase "burning bright" is a metaphor that could be interpreted as overly enthusiastic or even dismissive of the seriousness of burnout. More neutral alternatives might include "high achievers," "high stress," and "leaders," and "thriving."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on individual strategies for avoiding burnout, potentially overlooking systemic factors within workplaces or industries that contribute to high stress and burnout rates. It also doesn't discuss the potential downsides of the 'ER' formula, which could lead to overwork even if burnout is prevented.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between "top dog" status associated with burnout and "underdog" status associated with avoiding burnout. This oversimplifies the complexities of career paths and success, ignoring the diversity of experiences and situations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the issue of burnout among high performers, linking it to mental health and well-being. It offers strategies to mitigate burnout, thereby promoting better mental health and well-being in the workplace. The focus on defining one's own success and preparing with purpose contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling career, reducing stress and improving mental health.