CU Thrive Leadership Circles for Burnout

(Leadership Trial)

This trial tests a leadership program called CU Thrive Leadership Circles, designed to help CU SOM faculty enhance leadership skills and reduce burnout among healthcare professionals. Participants will engage in self-paced learning and attend in-person sessions to discuss leadership practices with peers. The goal is to foster a supportive work culture and enhance employee well-being. Faculty members who work at least part-time, have five or more direct reports, and are willing to commit to the full program may be a good fit for this trial.

As an unphased trial, this study offers faculty a unique opportunity to improve their leadership skills and contribute to a healthier work environment.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that the CU Thrive Leadership Circles program aims to enhance leadership skills and reduce burnout among healthcare workers. As this is not a drug or medical treatment, specific safety data for humans is unavailable. However, participants in similar programs have reported positive outcomes. One study found that burnout rates among healthcare professionals decreased from 47% to 13% after completing a similar program. This suggests the program effectively improves well-being without known risks. As a leadership training program, it is generally considered safe for participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about CU Thrive Leadership Circles because they take a fresh approach to tackling burnout, which often involves therapy or medication. Unlike standard treatments that focus on individual therapy or pharmacological interventions, CU Thrive Leadership Circles use a peer-support model based on the Wellness-Centered Leadership framework. This approach not only builds leadership skills but also fosters a supportive community through structured peer sessions, which can be more engaging and practical for leaders. The integration of brief pre-work and on-the-job practice challenges, delivered through an online dashboard, provides participants with real-world applications and immediate feedback, potentially leading to more sustainable improvements in reducing burnout.

Studies have shown that good leadership can help reduce burnout among healthcare workers. In this trial, participants will either join the CU Thrive Leadership Circles program or be waitlisted for later participation. The CU Thrive Leadership Circles program employs proven leadership methods to enhance well-being and reduce burnout. Research suggests that developing supportive leadership skills can increase job satisfaction and lower stress. One study found that leadership focused on well-being is linked to less burnout. Overall, these methods aim to build community and create healthy work environments, which are crucial for combating burnout.¹²³⁶⁷