This is an archived blog from when I ran Conscious Public Relations Inc. from 2008-2018. Excuse the potential outdated-ness!
This is kind of two blog topics in one… but here goes!
Boardroom Burnout
I went through my massive “business stuff” folder today and pulled out a Business in Vancouver article by Vickie Paget from two years ago entitled “Recognizing burnout is key to dealing with it.” It talks about women who delay addressing symptoms of stress which eventually leaves them emotionally and physically drained. Sound like you or someone you know?
Despite having a laid back summer I have been feeling a bit of burnout lately. What was interesting in the article was how much the body was mentioned.
“[Karen McMullan] said that she meets many women who run on adrenaline and are in ‘fight or flight response all of the time’…there are three common mistakes that lead to boardroom burnout: ‘The first is what I call “someday syndrome” – not listening to your burned-out body…’ “
The next two involve emotional drain at work, and spending time doing things that you suck at. Why I don’t confess to the latter, I can relate to the fight or flight thing, as I’m usually reacting to what comes my way that is unusual of my routine. I identified some of that today when I had about one video and a podcast going simultaneously while reading and sending e-mails.
Natalie Sisson, “The Suitcase Entrepreneur“ who recently launched her book of the same title, said that running your business from anywhere could possibly reduce an executive’s chances of suffering from burnout.
“It’s all about finding that elusive balance in life by using online tools, social media and outsourcing to streamline your business so you can create more freedom.“
I’m lookin for some of that freedom myself! Which brings me to the next topic:
Idea parties
It was the first time in a while I had been to the Vancouver Business Network Meetup and boy am I glad I did! Guest speaker Joyanna Anthony was a great, punctual, and energetic speaker who introduced her idea (originally from Barbara Sher) of Idea Parties in which you share a challenge or something you’re looking to achieve and everyone else gives you suggestions on next steps. Each presenter had 3 minutes to present, including feedback. I have never seen so much energy in a Meetup before! Years down the road, the teams that stay together from each idea party often not only achieve what they set out to do but they keep accomplishing more.
As if that weren’t enough they allowed an extra 30-40 minutes of networking so people could also meet each other. I ran out of cards, and I was able to talk to some folks about the new business idea I have been brainstorming. While I didn’t get any concrete feedback, it was generally positive.
It got me thinking that idea parties are a great way to avoid burnout and refuel one’s passion. If you’re interested in joining Joyanna’s next Success Team, be sure to connect with her at theideaparty.ca.
