Thriving, Surviving, Struggling, Crisis

Thriving, Surviving, Struggling, Crisis

When work is piling up and you’re strapped for time, stress inevitably sets in. Weeks or months of the same, and you’re bound to feel depleted.

The Thriving, Surviving, Struggling, Crisis framework can help. This tool is used for first responders and emergency services to identify stress cues and their severity before burnout sets in.

In a few steps, you’ll identify your major stressors so you can address them with your leadership and trusted colleagues.

Do an audit

We’ll start by walking through 4 categories that are key to thriving at work:

1. Energy
2. Performance
3. Feedback
4. Communication

Each one has a number associated with it - so choose the one that sounds most like you, and write down your number.

⚡ Energy

• I feel calm and stable (give yourself a 1) • I feel nervous and upset at times (2) • I feel panicky, angry, and fearful (3) • I’m very distressed and can barely function (4)

Now, let’s move on to...

🚴 Performance

• My performance has stayed the same (1) • It’s been inconsistent and I’m easily overwhelmed (2) • I find it hard to concentrate, make decisions, and stay calm (3) • I am panicky, have trouble working, and falling asleep (4)

Next up...

☝️ Feedback

• I can adjust easily based on feedback (1) • I find it difficult to make changes based on feedback (2) • I prefer not to interact much with coworkers and tend to avoid feedback (3) • I find myself making mistakes, and getting angry about feedback (4)

Last but not least…

💬 Communication

• I’m able to communicate well, and people understand me (1) • I get stressed sometimes in my relationships with others (2) • I feel restless and disturbed - I’m in my own world (3) • I’ve withdrawn from relationships at work and at home (4)

Assess where you stand

Add up your numbers from each of the 4 categories. Did you get:

4 or less - Thriving You're handling pressure well

4-8 - Surviving You’re giving it your all, but are more stressed than ideal.

8-12 - Struggling Dealing with stressors that need to be addressed now, before they boil over.

12-16 - Crisis Communicate to your leadership and colleagues that you need help.

Work towards thriving

Now you know your score, your goal is to get to Thriving for each of the categories. Ask yourself:

• Which category did I score highest in? (Where you’ll focus most) • Which did I score lowest in? (Keep any current tools or rituals in place) • What do I need to get to Thriving?

This is your opportunity to identify and communicate what will help you perform at your best. For example, is it more visibility? Fewer meetings? More sensitive feedback from colleagues?

Walkthrough it together

Set up a call with your leadership or trusted colleagues who can help, and review the results. Be prepared to tell them where you need the most help. The more explicit you are, the better!

Commit to 2-3 actions you can work on together. It may take a few conversations to see real changes, so schedule follow-up calls if you need.

If you find your colleagues disinterested or not willing to support you, it’s worth thinking about whether you see yourself staying at the company (and in this situation) for the long-term.

Out of crisis mode

And that’s how to use the Thriving, Surviving, Struggling, Crisis framework to stop burnout before it boils over.

We hope you found this helpful! Now let's proactively manage up and get back to thriving together!