Physical and mental exhaustion, cynicism, a lack of motivation, trouble sleeping, short-temperedness, depression. They’re all symptoms of burn-out and, unsurprisingly, they often effect staff with the most stressful jobs.
It’s unusual for a CEO or other high-profile executive to cite stress for leaving a job, though it doesn’t mean it’s not a big contributor. “Family reasons” appears to be the explanation of choice for unmotivated leaders and every now and then you do find one that admits their health is suffering. In 2011, Lloyds Banking Group CEO Antonio Horta Osorio took two months’ leave after suffering from “fatigue”. He remains CEO of the bank today.
The cost to companies of losing their best staff can be profound, particularly if they’re a top-performing CEO that’s helped add billions to their market value. That’s why Johnson & Johnson has this week launched an anti-burnout program for senior executives, according to Bloomberg.
The cost of the program is $100,000 per head, indicating it’s directed at the most senior of staff members. Johnson & Johnson apparently tested it on seven of its own executives, though it hasn’t said if CEO Alex Gorsky was involved, citing privacy reasons.
“Leaders aren’t a set of skills and tools,” the program’s developer, LowinnKibbey, told Bloomberg. “Many of these leaders arrive in these roles without being equipped with how to stay healthy and resilient.”
The program involves surrounding subjects with experts including doctors, dietitians, psychologists and executive coaches. After going through a series of medical tests at the Mayo Clinic, they are monitored for the next nine months and provided with tips from experts on how to stay in peak condition.
Executive coaching is nothing new and studies show that it appears to work. Research conducted in 2009 by academics at the University of Amsterdam, for instance, found that it had significant positive effects on performance and skills, well-being, coping and work attitudes.
Johnson & Johnson said it’s program is different because of its sophistication and “holistic” approach.
You might also like:
Executive Health: 3 Killers and How to Thwart Them
A CEO’s Guide to Health and Wellness Programs
The Case for Making Staff Mental Health a CEO Performance Indicator
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
