Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - How to increase resilience and prevent burnout (INO103)

Summary

The session, led by Kelly and Charis from AWS's Epic Leadership program, focused on increasing resilience and preventing burnout.
Burnout was defined by three signs: emotional exhaustion, disconnection, and lack of motivation.
The speakers emphasized the importance of tapping into resilience through small or major adjustments in one's approach to work and life.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) was discussed as a key component of resilience, with the ability to improve it over time due to neuroplasticity.
The session covered the impact of emotions on work performance, decision-making, and health.
Techniques for combating burnout included gratitude practices, reframing negative thoughts, connecting to purpose, and recovery strategies (macro, meso, and micro recovery).
The speakers shared tools like the Mood Meter app and the box breathing exercise to manage emotions and stress.
Empathy was highlighted as a critical skill for leadership and teamwork, with tips on how to develop and express it effectively.
The session concluded with resources for further learning and an invitation to engage with AWS's Innovation Program team for workshops and support.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is not static and can be developed through practice and awareness, which is crucial for leadership and personal success.
The ability to name emotions accurately (emotional granularity) can lead to better health outcomes and less emotional outbursts.
Positivity and grit are two essential components of resilience, with positivity helping to neutralize our inherent negativity bias and grit enabling us to recover from setbacks.
Empathy is both a natural trait and a learnable skill, with about 70% of empathetic ability being improvable through effort and practice.
The session highlighted the importance of recovery and downtime to prevent burnout, suggesting that even short breaks like the box breathing exercise can significantly impact stress levels.
The speakers suggested that integrating emotional intelligence and resilience practices into corporate culture can lead to better employee engagement and overall company performance.
The new Amazon leadership principle, "strive to be the Earth's best employer," reflects a shift towards a more empathetic and employee-focused approach within the company.