The time has come for you to ensure that your organization is setting realistic expectations and encouraging positive change through relevant training and leadership support. Here are 5 tips to guide you towards optimizing digital stamina.
Today’s digital world has left the analog workplace behind. It’s critically important to embrace the adoption of digital tools and technologies without falling victim to the fatigue that can take hold. As executives, it’s imperative to not only look out for ourselves but also to set expectations within your business unit(s) to adopt techniques to avoid fatigue and burnout, provide relevant training, and show executive support along the way.
Reduce multitasking – We’ve all taken part in a Zoom meeting while we’re trying to catch-up on different deliverables on various devices at the same time, while also scheduling that delayed dentist appointment, and the list goes on. At a certain point all of this multitasking takes its toll. A study conducted by the Association for Psychological Science found that multitasking reduces performance significantly, by 40% in most cases. Reduce multitasking whenever and wherever possible.
Turn off your camera – If it’s not a requirement to have your video engaged during a meeting, don’t hesitate to turn the camera off when you need a break. This gives your eyes a rest from intently focusing on the screen for hours at a time, which will help maintain your energy and focus throughout the day. When it’s your turn to speak, engage the camera again.
Take small breaks – There were a lot more opportunities to take small breaks when most everyone was working from the office. Casual conversations in kitchens and walks in between meetings provided a bit of rest and served as a way to bond with co-workers. These interactions are harder to achieve with the proliferation of remote work. Take some time here and there for yourself and make sure your team knows you expect the same of them.
Use the phone instead of video – Most conversations can achieve positive outcomes with a simple phone call. Unless video is necessary, start integrating phone calls with your team. They’ll follow your lead and start to use phone calls with their teams as well.
Create an agenda – Insist on agendas for every meeting you lead and make this a requirement for members of your team. It gives everyone on the call a firm grasp of what’s going to be discussed, when it’s going to be discussed, and who’s expected to lead the discussions. It also positively impacts time management by focusing attention on the list of discussion points, reducing the potential for side conversations. You can still leave 5 minutes at the end of each meeting for an agenda point that covers “additional topics”. These agendas should be socialized among meeting attendees in advance of the meeting so everyone is prepared.
Leadership positions demand quite a bit of time throughout each day. The additional balancing act across digital platforms can leave you feeling tired, overwhelmed, and simply drained of motivation. It’s important to be proactive and take control of your day, your time, and your digital toolkit to create an environment that allows you, your team, and your organization to thrive.
SucceedSmart serves as a wonderful platform to connect with other execs facing challenges regarding the management of digital stamina. Your free membership provides access to our pre-vetted executive peer network. And if your organization doesn’t see the importance of balancing the use of digital, we can help you find a position at a corporation taking a leadership role in managing digital stamina.
Below are a few additional resources:
How to combat Zoom fatigue
15 Time Management Tips for Achieving Your Goals
How COVID-19 has pushed companies over the technology tipping point
