You've probably talked with a consultant who is grumpy or angry and not handling the day well. It happens to all consultants at some point: burnout. They are tired, worried, or afraid and it comes out as anger. Maybe a challenging client, a slow-to-learn employee, or a late payment pushes the button. Burnout is the problem. What's the solution?

Recognition! Unfortunately, consultants who blow up at a client, employee, or delivery service haven't yet recognized they are burned out; they don't see the signs and stop them before they become overwhelming. If their boiling point is 212ºF, they don't recognize that they're already operating at 210ºF. A common and otherwise minor event — a client request, an employee question, or a late payment — adds a few degrees and everyone gets scalded.

How can you avoid burnout? Recognize the signs and take action toward lowering the temperature. Taking a break is a primary step in avoiding burnout. In addition, you can consider what it is that has increased your operating temperature. Is there a conflict at home? Are you frustrated by your lack of control over a business or personal situation? Is there a health or diet issue that is making you volatile? Recognition of the components that can lead to burnout is the first step in minimizing it.