Many leaders today believe and teach that success is dependent on excessive hours of work. This is not true. Burnout symptoms start with feeling overwhelmed, continually being tired and never really catching up. It starts slowly, gradually and grows consistently towards burnout.
Note these key words describing burnout: failure, extreme pressure, termination of a rocket to exhaustion of fuel, instantaneous and ultimate termination, exhaustion, shutdown and catastrophic failure.
At the early stages, you have a choice, continue the path to break down or build your team.
Every leader wants to finish well. The ribbon goes to those who reach the finish line, not the also ran. No one strives to a leadership role with the desire to fail! Burnout is not on any long term career plan. I’m convinced that every leader deeply desires to get to the end of the race, hit the ribbon in full stride and hear the wonderful words of Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:23 NIV)
Dave Kraft, in his book, Leaders Who Last, confirms that “Many leaders don’t finish well.” In fact, his research indicates that only 30% of leaders finish well. That is a frightening statistic to suggest that a full 70% of us do not finish well, drop off, give up or succumb to burnout. If that isn’t bad enough, think through the influence on those who follow, learn from and associate with us. As leaders we need to set the example, live a balanced life and demonstrate God’s love.
Scripture advises us, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:11-12 NIV) The strategy for success is not excessive hours of work but increased time in prayer.
Leadership is keeping your focus, monitoring your energy, ensuring you have more coming in before you hit exhaustion.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group