Leaders: Recognize the effects of power stress now to avoid burnout

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Leaders face many unique challenges.  Being a leader has several inherent benefits as well as challenges. One challenge is “power stress” which results from the demand for influencing others and the increased responsibility of the position (McClelland, 1985).

Power stress is considered to be part of the experience resulting from exercising this influence and the subsequent sense of responsibility felt by those in leadership positions.Richard Boyatzis (2006) proposes that that leaders who are able to develop others through adopting a coaching engagement, are able to significantly lower this stress at a neurological level, which in turn has a positive ripple effect for the coachee, the coach and the organization as well.

Next:  Are you on your way to burning out?  Do you sometimes feel isolated?  Do people  really tell you the truth?  Would you listen if they did? (That’s another topic …)

Other signs of impending burn out are:  dissatisfaction with work or home life, irritability, restlessness, reduced creativity, poor decision-making, relationship problems at home or work, depression, anxiety, increased alcohol use, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure to name a few.

Coming up:  You can reverse the effects of power stress and avoid burnout (and dramatically improve your productivity, satisfaction and happiness in the process).  Stay tuned!

Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope, and Compassion by Richard E. Boyatzis

Related Articles

• Stress, Burn Out and Work Life Balance [Margit "Success" Jones-Hochstrasser,] (ecademy.com)
• Mindfulness to minimize physician burnout (medicineandtechnology.com)
• Avoid Burnout by Focusing on Your Team (blogs.hbr.org)

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