Burnout and Project Deadlines that are Impossible do in Good People

I suppose there are many reasons for it but it does seem that an increasing number of leaders and executives are working with or handing down very impractical or totally impossible time lines and deadlines. It takes Herculean efforts to meet them. Often it happens because someone is watching their own backside (read 'politics' and 'fear') and pushing work and responsibility on down the line.

If we don't have enough time to properly produce results for which we must take responsibility, it produces tension. Job related stress and burnout may be inevitable. Because it happens again and again, the frustration builds and people look for another environment to work in.

Putting out a tight deadline is one thing. Great people can rise to the occasion and make it happen. But being unreasonable is totally another thing and only serves to create inefficiency, poor results and frustrated people.

If you want to avoid job burnout, some new standards have to be set.

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