Avoiding burnout while staying positive
By David Bilinsky
And if it’s bad
Don’t let it get you down, you can take it...
Hold your head up, oh hold your head high.…
– Music and Lyrics by R. Argent and C. White, recorded by Steppenwolf
When one thinks of toxic environments, one doesn’t tend to think of law offices as falling into that category. Yet I get calls from partners, associates and staff alike who are having to cope with working in such situations. In some offices matters are dire; the stress of working in these environments is taking its toll on the person’s health and well-being, on their careers and certainly on their home life. After a time, some people reach the breaking point and leave their workplace. Others are not so fortunate and are looking for tips on how to cope with being in such a situation.
The first thing to remember if you are caught in such an office is that you cannot control other people’s behaviour; you can only control how you respond. Passiveaggressiveness, destructive and negative comments, conniving politics, terrible leadership, partners that are insensitive to personal boundaries or worse – these are not things that are a reflection of who you are; you are simply caught in the toxic vortex. Here is a collection of tips for coping in a toxic environment:
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You need to stay positive and upbeat. The person you are most able to influence is yourself so don’t allow the toxicity to drag you down.
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Learn from the experience. Every bad situation allows you to grow as an individual and take home lessons – even if those are about things that you would never repeat. Learn how to apply The Golden Rule – i.e. how to treat others as you yourself would wish to be treated – as it is a powerful guide to help you grow when you are in such a situation.
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Do the best that you can do. You want to preserve your integrity and your good name. It is no surprise that word gets around in the legal community and being able to cope in a bad environment only enhances your reputation, your work ethic and your character.
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Create a “thank you” file. While it may perhaps be the thinnest file in the office, a collection of letters and cards that endorse the value of your work could be the most valuable file in the office. It will grow over time and leafing through the physical embodiment of good wishes and thanks is a personal validation of your own self-worth and assistance to others.
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Get a supportive network outside of the office. Having someone to talk to about the situation certainly helps and their advice and support can get you through some dark days.
Continue to search for a better workplace while keeping your shoulders squared and your spirit up. Keep looking for a more positive situation. Remember that no matter what, continue to hold your head high.
The views expressed herein are strictly those of David Bilinsky and do not reflect the opinions of the Law Society of British Columbia, CBABC, or their respective members.