Stress is a fact of professional life, but extreme and unrelenting
pressures can lead to the debilitating state we call burnout. Three
symptoms characterize burnout: exhaustion; cynicism, or distancing
oneself from work; and inefficacy, or feelings of incompetence and lack
of achievement. Research has linked burnout to many health problems,
including hypertension, sleep disturbances, depression, and substance
abuse. Moreover, it can ruin relationships and jeopardize career
prospects. Resolving burnout often requires changes at the job, team, or
organizational level. But you can also take steps toward recovery and
prevention on your own: Prioritize your health, shift your perspective
to determine which aspects of your situation are fixed and which can be
changed, reduce exposure to the most stressful activities and
relationships, and seek out helpful interpersonal connections. It’s
important to ward off burnout on your team as well: Insist on time for
rest and renewal, set realistic work limits, boost your team’s sense of
control, provide meaningful recognition, and ask people what help or
training they need to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]