Physician Burnout and the Dangers of Venting
When I deliver the Burnout Proof LIVE Workshop we always have a little discussion about VENTING. Most of the conversation revolves around if venting is healthy or not. About half of any audience will answer "Yes" to that question. I beg to differ.
Venting is very common in some workplaces, but that does not make it healthy or normal. In fact venting can be downright dangerous because it has the power to shackle you to the throne of Einstein's Insanity Trap.
Watch this three minute video to learn more.
Venting is a common occurrence in all healthcare workplaces. Most people think it is healthy, but unfortunately that is not true. Venting is actually one of the forms that the second symptom of physician burnout takes. Christina Maslach called this "Depersonalization". It shows up as being cynical, sarcastic and venting. It is also commonly known as Compassion Fatigue.
Just because it is common does not mean it is normal. It is a sign of physician burnout. The amount of venting on your work team is a measure of the burnout among your team members. :-(
The DANGER of Venting
Venting can be dangerous too. It can serve as the shackle that chains you to Einstein's Insanity trap. Here's how.
If you vent just enough steam to feel a little better and then go back to doing the the same thing, you are going to get the same result. You will be venting again about this thing in the very near future and that is a tragedy.
Venting is a SIGN. Your feelings are real. The thing that is pissing you off is almost certainly a valid issue in your workplace. But don't just vent and head back in. Use the urge to vent as a sign to Change Your Actions. That is the ONLY way to get different results and spring yourself from the Insanity Trap.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT:
What is your favorite thing to vent about?
What could you do differently to make that go away?