“Sir, yes sir!” We hear these words in movies with military references. This do-it-or-die attitude has crept into our approaches to management, education and employee empowerment. As in other industries, our newest, brightest animal health pros are super achievers who sometimes find themselves in new jobs that become routine.
I’m oversimplifying but consider the efforts we are taking to limit depression, compassion fatigue and suicide in our professional ranks. Melody Wilding speaks to the reality of meeting spoken and unspoken expectations, their effect on self confidence and the need to develop personal boundaries and self-trust.
If you feel one of three emotions — guilt, shame, or resentment — it’s a sign that a boundary needs to be set.
Source: Medium, May 10, 2018. Link.
Trouble begins when you start negotiating your boundaries. Each time you say yes when you mean no or hold back when you really want to speak up, you lose a bit of credibility with yourself—and self-trust along with it. Doubt, indecision, and fear creep in.
Also see: Taking a break: difficult but necessary, Veterinary Team Brief, May 2018. Link.
Working without breaks is not healthy—they are necessary for every team member because they lead to improved team and individual performance, client service, and patient care.