“Down, tired, stressed,” these are just some of the ways African conservation leaders described how they’re feeling these days when we spoke to them this week about ‘combating burnout.’ This is how organizational specialist Adam Grant defines burnout: “The heart of burnout is emotional exhaustion — feeling so depleted and drained by your job that you have nothing left to give.”
Everyone and anyone on your team can experience burnout, and with COVID-19 it is likely people already are. Here are some tips we’ve shared with African conservation leaders about how to help their team avoid burnout.
Remind your team that what they do contributes to something greater and important. Look for and celebrate even the small wins and accomplishments.
Making a difference in other people’s lives has been shown to counteract burnout. Perhaps surprisingly, the times you are most emotionally exhausted may be precisely when you should be checking in with someone who relies on you to see how you can help them. You may find it refreshing.
Where possible, reduce your team’s workload. Take time off and encourage others to do the same. Shift your usual standards for yourself and others – it’s okay to say no, it’s okay if work isn’t always perfect.
Ask team members what they need to achieve their goals, and allow them more discretion about what to prioritize. Flexible working hours may also boost their energy and morale and help them work around a schedule that works for them.
Nurture a caring culture where people are not afraid to seek support. Ask how people are doing and listen. Create opportunities for team connection and peer to peer support.
