We've all read articles about burnout and how to identify it, but few ever discuss how to overcome it. In 2023, I experienced my first major blowout at work. I wasn't feeling myself when I was assigned another task. I tried to share the project with another team member, but my boss denied my request. At the time, my boss was unaware of the workload I had accumulated by being with the team the longest and taking on the most responsibilities.
During a one-on-one meeting with them shortly after, I lost my composure. I blacked out and essentially lost my usual positive and bubbly personality. My boss, who knew me very well, noticed the change in my demeanor — leading to our collaborating on ways to prevent this from happening again. I have also been going through coaching, and my coach provided some resources to help me recognize my burnout.
Now that I have overcome burnout, I am committed to preventing my team members from experiencing the same. O.W.N. is a simple acronym to help anyone, including leaders, overcome burnout.
Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.