What the OR Can Teach Every Leader About Combating Burnout
In a surprising twist on traditional wellness strategies, entrepreneurs are turning to the operating room for inspiration on how to combat burnout in the workplace. According to Rhett Power, a DC-based executive coach and Forbes contributor, the secret to a surgical team's effortless-looking, self-possessed serenity lies not in free yoga classes or fancy break-room coffee, but in confidence born from clarity, structure, set definitions, and shared standards.
A Lesson in Controlled Intensity
Watching a surgical team at work is a lesson in controlled intensity and focus. Urgency is there, but chaos is not. Stress exists, of course, but panic is absent. In the operating room, where lives can hang in the balance, calm reigns. Power notes that this serenity is not just a result of individual effort, but rather a product of a well-oiled machine where everyone knows their role and can fall back on evidence-based guidance when things get complex.
A Playbook for Success
In the OR, every team member has access to the same playbook, with clear definitions and protocols in place. This shared understanding is key to maintaining calm under pressure. "When stakes are high, it's not about individual heroics," Power explains. "It's about having a system that works." According to Power, this approach can be applied to any fast-paced business environment.
A Reality Check
In many businesses, the reality is far from ideal. Unclear roles, inconsistent protocols, and a lack of trusted guidance when stakes are high are common pitfalls. A survey conducted by Gallup found that 43% of employees experience burnout at work, with 24% experiencing it daily. Power notes that this can be attributed to a lack of clarity and structure in the workplace.
Expert Insights
Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on workplace wellness, agrees that the OR offers valuable lessons for business leaders. "When teams are clear about their roles and have access to evidence-based guidance, they're better equipped to handle pressure," she says. "It's not just about individual resilience; it's about creating a culture of calm."
Next Steps
As entrepreneurs continue to grapple with the issue of burnout, Power suggests that leaders take a page from the OR playbook. By establishing clear definitions and protocols, providing evidence-based guidance, and fostering a culture of calm, businesses can reduce stress and increase productivity. With 43% of employees already experiencing burnout, it's time for business leaders to take action.
Background
Rhett Power is a DC-based executive coach who has worked with numerous entrepreneurs and business leaders. His insights on the OR as a model for workplace wellness have been featured in Forbes and other leading publications. Dr. Emma Taylor is a leading expert on workplace wellness, with a focus on creating cultures of calm and reducing burnout.
Sources
Gallup: "43% of Employees Experience Burnout at Work"
Rhett Power: "What the OR Can Teach Every Leader About Combating Burnout" (Forbes)
*Reporting by Forbes.*
