BizQuiz: Can you battle job burnout? (Answer 4B)

4) B-Right.

Gossiping and venting behind someone's back creates a negative vibe in the practice, and you know you can't just pretend everything's hunky-dory when you're on the verge of burnout. Confront away-but do it right.

When you speak to the co-worker in question, keep personal issues out of it, be supportive and team-focused, and maintain a friendly tone of voice. Here's an example veterinary consultant Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM, gave in a recent article (click here to open it in a new window): “When people talk to me while I'm on the phone, it drives me crazy because I can't concentrate on helping the client. If you need to correct what I'm saying, please tell me after I hang up. Then I'll call the client back if necessary.”

You can never guarantee the co-worker's behavior will change, but taking the high road and addressing the issue sensibly and fairly will make you feel a little more connected and refreshed-guaranteed.

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