While many global workers may not have traditional jobs, they can still experience workplace burnout in relation to team and organizational culture. Workplace burnout is a common and increasing phenomenon. I read the article “Six Sources of Burnout at Work” by Paula Davis J.D., M.A.P.P. in Psychology Today that explains workplace burnout and I found it helpful. 

I teach at an international school in Thailand. Parts of my job felt impossible and perplexing this year, but I have not neared workplace burnout. One significant contributor to this was my principal’s leadership. Her choices fostered growth toward a healthy work environment. I want to share a few things that characterize her leadership, hoping it will be a voice for creating healthy environments for global workers within their organizational contexts. 

My principal does not micromanage. When she entrusts me with a task, she gives expectations and guidance, but frees me to complete the task in my own way.  

Her leadership is not driven by insecurities. Everyone has insecurities. However, effective leaders do not use positions of influence to soothe personal insecurities. My principal does not use her attitude or words to make others feel like less so she can feel like more. Leadership fueled by the need to feel personally validated hurts people. It also cripples team and organizational efforts. I am thankful that the people who appointed her not only considered education and experience, but also emotional intelligence and maturity. 

She acknowledges success. Correction is a part of leadership. Our principal does that when needed. However, most of the time she acknowledges our successes as individuals and a team. This is motivating; promoting increased effort and a sense of community. It is demoralizing to individuals and teams when a leader is overcritical; especially without offering any explanations or actionable steps for improvement. Nothing healthy can grow in such an environment.

There are many more things my principal does well. They are all closely tied to her personal character. She is not perfect, but allows the goodness, love, and truth of Jesus to infuse her life. No matter where our influence lies as global workers, may we learn how to contribute to the flourishing of people instead of burnout.