The Tribune

Karoshi is the Japanese term for working yourself to death. These people work so hard that at 7pm some managers have to get on loudspeakers urging workers to go home. Not really a huge problem here. At least not among the general population. But burnout is a serious problem for persons who are success-minded, particularly since they are often doing the job of about three or four other persons with the pay of one. So this article is focused on the burnout plan for those who are part of the marketing revolution.

First, you must recognise signs of burnout. For me it always begins with memory loss, both short and long term. It is as if my brain is a cup and, past a certain point, it overflow. Then I know I’m in trouble. Being too tired to sleep is another sign. This is dangerous, of course, because as soon as all stimulation is removed, I fall asleep instantly. This is how a lot of the Japanese guys die, because falling asleep while you are driving down a highway is a no, no.

There are other signs, too. Some of them less dangerous, but still a warning to you to take a step back. You begin to get sick and cannot shake it. You miss deadlines, meetings and cannot seem to get it together. You become less and less productive. When there are these signs, it is time to put a burnout plan into action. I know you may be saying that you are too tired to make a burnout plan, but that is how you really know you need one.

Here are the components of a plan. First, make a list of all the things you are doing. Then cross out anything on that list that, if you were going to die in the next couple of days, you would not want to be doing. Include social and family functions as well. You may be amazed at how much time you are spending on different areas. Remember, the key concept here is balance. But another is reality. While working yourself to death is admirable, believe me when I tell you that you will be replaced quite easily. Even if you own the business, your employees will go merrily about their way after your funeral.

The second thing is to reduce the amount of things you will be doing in the future. This is done by practicing the word ‘No’. You can add the term: “Sorry, I am not able to help with that at this time.” Or: “Sorry, my cup is full.” Your plan should include your spiritual and social life, as well as your physical life. Work is only a part of it. So I am going to now practice what I preach, and go enjoy a movie after writing this column instead of working on another project.

NB: D’Arcy Rahming holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. A lecturer at the College of the Bahamas, Mr Rahming has clients in general insurance, retail, the health and medical fields, sports federations and financial services. He is also treasurer of the Bahamas Olympic Committee. To receive his marketing newsletter FREE go to http://darcyrahming.com