ATs Managing Themselves into Burnout

Could a Domain 5 skill be the missing link for why burnout is so prevalent in Athletic Training? Does your supervisor manager, lead, or both?

Usually, concepts and ideas associated with organizational effectiveness and motivation were linked with management techniques. Recently there has been a switch that leadership tactics are better suited when working towards achieving organizational effectiveness as well as personal and employee motivation.

"Both leadership and management motivate, deal with people, use the different types of power, and have to set and accomplish goals and evaluate outcomes. In spite of these similarities, there are general differences. While it is popular to separate leadership from management, both are needed for the effective operation of the athletic training room. Athletic trainers often use management techniques in the administration of their facilities for record keeping, budgeting, clinical decisions, and controlling risk. On the other hand, integrating different leadership styles and motivational techniques are required when working with a diversity of patients; community interests; and interacting with peers, team members, subordinates, and supervisors" (Kutz, 2018).

However, effective leadership has been shown to increase:

• Productivity

• Reduce burnout

• Increase employee satisfaction

• Enhance credibility

• Improve morale

• Contribute to greater learning

• Foster innovation and creativity

It is clear that management and leadership, whether independent of each other or in combination, are necessary within the healthcare industry.

With the slight differences between management and leadership, it could make the difference in an AT's perception of their job satisfaction.

Kutz, MR. (2018). Leadership and management in athletic training: An Integrated Approach (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Shelby 5/2024