In some ways it was a typical breakfast meeting. The waitress was pleasant, the eggs were average, and the restaurant was full of busy people. We shared a cup of black coffee and the first few times my client took a sip he managed to spill quite a bit of it. His trembling hand was just one of the symptoms of his burnout. That’s why we were meeting. He wanted to know if I could help him.

I picked up a fork and explained that as long as I used it for eating, the fork would last indefinitely. However, if I began to use it to drive nails or dig holes, it would soon break. The key was to use it for what it was designed to do.

The look in his eyes told me he got it, but I still went on to say that people are like the fork. When they do what they are not designed to do, they eventually break.

Sure enough, his body showed that he was designed to work on projects where there was a definite goal. He derived immense satisfaction from reaching goals. He also needed to work by himself about half the time. He was a scientist and enjoyed lab time, doing calculations, and interpreting test results.

What his job required on a day-to-day basis was another story. His primary task was to supervise a dozen people and maintain operations. No goals. No projects. No time alone. Consequently, his job was sucking the life out of him.

Much credit for his recovery goes to his boss who was willing to change the job content to fit the design of a valuable employee.

So how do you know if you, a loved one, or someone who reports to you is suffering from burnout? Here are the early warning signs:

1- Chronic fatigue – exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down

2- Anger at those making demands

3- Self-criticism for putting up with the demands

4- Cynicism, negativity, and irritability

5- Exploding easily at simple things

6- Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances

7- Weight loss or gain

8- Sleeplessness and depression

9- Shortness of breath

10- Suspiciousness

11- Feelings of helplessness

Fight burnout. Do what you were designed to do. 

Take a close look at what is said about Burnout and what you are naturally motivated toward with regard to your work or school. Sometimes a simple change can help you avoid many (if not all) of the early warning signs of Burnout.

Discussion: 

1-   What are people designed to do?

1. How can we fight Burnout?
2. Have you ever felt any of the symptoms described above?
3. Whom did you get help from?
4. Are people willing to help each other nowadays? Why (not)?
5. If a friend complains about life what’s the best thing to do:
   1. to listen to him
   2. to tell him to look for a psychologist
   3. to give him advice
   4. to tell him about your own experiences.
6. Do you think it’s convenient to talk about your anxietiy with your boss?
7. How can you avoid Burnout?
8. Do you think  managers and teachers should always  be leaders? Why(not)?

Decide whether you agree ( A ) or disagree ( D ) with these statements about leadership. 

1- All managers/ teachers are good leaders.
2- All leaders are good managers/ teachers.
3- Effective leaders need to focus on the future.
4- Good leaders have to be good public speakers.
5- No effective leader always makes autonomous decisions.
6- Good leaders try to keep everyone happy.
7- True leaders do not care about other people’s opinions.