leadership
A Dental Coach ’ s Unscientific View of
BURNOUT
by Joel C . Small , DDS , MBA , ACC , FICD
20
The term “ burnout ” has been around a long time . It refers to a multitude of symptoms that negatively impact workers and manifest as disassociation , emotional detachment , mental and physical exhaustion , loss of self-esteem , and even anxiety and depression . The syndrome has been extensively studied and researched . Estimates of those who have experienced burnout range from 5 % to over 50 % of the workforce . Dentistry is a particularly stressful profession , and the prevalence of burnout is high . Research has identified demographic factors such as age and gender as factors relating to the onset of burnout . I , however , have noticed what I believe to be other significant factors for burnout through my work with healthcare professionals . My observations lack scientific methodology , yet these observations continue to be consistent with my clients who experience burnout and its consequences . The following is a list of contributing factors that I have observed as a trained coach :
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Living life through the expectations of others
Robert Kegan , a world renowned psychologist , defined the stages of adult cognitive development . The initial stage he alludes to is known as the ‘ socialized mind ” where we are living a life designed to please others . This is a very early stage of adult development ; however , he estimates that a significant number of adults remain at this stage throughout their adulthood . Those of us that remain at this level of development are living to please others . We think , communicate , and act in a manner consistent with the wishes and desires of others ( ie ; parents , teachers , authority figures ). This level of cognitive development is a form of security and comfort … to a point . There often comes a time when we begin to burnout . Some would refer to this as a mid-life crisis . It is preceded by an epiphany of significant magnitude that provides clarity that we have never found our own voice or lived the life that we desire . I have found that those of us who define success
only in terms of financial reward often are trying to please others .
There is also a similar , yet opposite , scenario in which we try to prove our worthiness . This scenario usually relates to a previous , sometimes very early , experience where someone we held in high esteem ( ie ; parent or teacher , etc .) expressed doubt regarding our abilities or worthiness . I see this in doctors who are highly driven over-achievers . The final scenario is often the same as those that try to please others . Burnout and emotional detachment are often the result .
Lack of personal development
There is an emerging definition of burnout that goes beyond the previous definition . It has been widely accepted that burnout , stress , and long working hours have a high positive correlation . The new definition states that burnout is the result of stress , long working hours ,