Managing burnout is a two-pronged effort for leaders: we need to care for our own mental health as well as that of our team members. In many cases, one perpetuates the other. Dr. Ben Knutson, a busy ER physician, does focus on work/life balance, play, and family time. But also, he finds that helping his team at the Mayo Clinic better manage burnout is incredibly replenishing for him as well. In this conversation with Quint Studer he discusses:

• How a strong foundation of trust paired with an empathetic shoulder to lean on helps “prideful” physicians overcome stigma, express their struggles, and (if needed) access resources
• How he and fellow Mayo Clinic leaders link SMART goals with outcomes that focus on initiatives and key strategies for burnout.
• Why something as simple as writing thank you notes brings him as much joy as it does the recipients