Office Space: Short Week

How is your workload this week?

Yeah, me too. Coming back from a holiday week is always interesting. Whether or not we were actually able to recharge, it seems like that evaporates when we get back. This is because many of us are trying to push 5 days of work into 4. But, it is also related to how that busyness impacts the way we communicate.

It is something I have noticed a lot over the years. There is a certain shortness in our interactions, irritability that exists when our schedules are under stress. It is understandable but, allowing it to run its course is self-defeating. That is, allowing ourselves to engage in these stressed exchanges can negatively impact communication well after the stress has released.

Here is a solution for when you are extremely busy. Use sprints to get things done but really slow down when it is time to talk. This is a technique from my operatic past called "hurry, slowly." When you really need to get a lot done, limit the meetings and conversations to what is essential. Then really let those essential conversations be intentional, clear, and effective.

On that note, I need to get back to it. Have a great week.