Summer should be a more relaxing period, where we take the time to come up for air and maybe even float a bit on the surface of the water. As a kid I longed for summer to disconnect from my yearlong routines and just take some time to regroup and have some fun. This summer has been anything but that; it has turned into a very busy schedule with little free time. There is so much going on with so many projects and deadlines as well as an abundance of information to constantly process.
What kind of summer are you having? Are you trying to lead through mounds of documentation and information flow? Are you being asked to maintain an unrealistic (or at least fairly insane) pace with no breaks? Have your days turned into putting out one fire after another? Is the noise and information overload gotten the best of you? Here are some ways I try to lead during these turbulent times:
ADMIT THE NOISE IS TOO LOUD
Being a person who doesn’t give up easily can be challenging for even the strongest leader. Each of us needs to be honest with what is happening in both our work and personal worlds. We need to look for some of the overload signs:
- Your body is breaking down with aches, pains and exhaustion.
- You become “snappy” with your responses and your team or the people in your life walk away from you with confusion.
- Your concentration level dwindles down to short spurts of focus.
- If one more request comes across your desk you will scream.
[Tweet “Leaders need to admit when they are on overload and take action.”]
PLAN SOME QUIET TIME
Sometimes we just need to step back from our worlds and set aside a block of time away from our routines. What oftentimes works for me is to plan an adventure and go somewhere to escape. It doesn’t have to be far or complicated. Try a park, a beach or a museum. Just take at least one or two days to breathe again and think about something other than work. You will not regret the change and distraction.
REALIGN YOUR WORKLOAD
After having time to rejuvenate, it is now time to focus on how you may want to change up your responsibilities and assignments. Do you need to delegate some of your tasks to make room for more important projects? Is there someone you could talk to and strategize a more efficient workflow? Maybe you are spending too much time on a particular undertaking that needs to be moved off your desk or simplified. Get help or a new perspective to make some of these decisions.
REPEAT WHEN NECESSARY
Throughout the year, not just summer, we need to take stock in what is working for us and what needs to be adjusted. We need to be tuned into ourselves and read all the signs of overload and too much noise. If we don’t honor the way we are actually feeling, the loud noise may turn deafening and our workload may topple our careers.
How do you lead when the noise gets too loud? What steps have empowered you to overcome an insurmountable workload?
Excellent tips, Terri. For me, I try one of two things: 1) Exercise; or 2) read something for fun. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Those are great activities to divert our attention away from our overload and clear out our minds.
Taking enough time is essential as well because our minds and bodies need to feel and perform again in a focused way.
Thanks Joy for sharing your great suggestions for overcoming overload and noise!
Terri, This is my summer too. I’ve found myself working constantly k with very limited time for rest. I too have been wrestling with ways to priortize and get a better cadence. Your post is helpful.
There is something a little unfair about working so hard during a time when so many are at play. However I am very thankful that work is flowing. Like you, Karin, I just need to figure out a better way to take breaks and manage my projects.
Thanks Karin for sharing your experience with us!
Excellent advice! When I look up and realize that I’ve been chained to my desk, even stopping to go get a coffee (not from the break room!) can make a big difference.
It’s easy to fall into busy as a way of life… thanks for encouraging all of us to stop and find a healthier and more productive way out.
Your metaphor of “being chained to our desks” is so appropriate. Without taking time to rejuvenate it is highly unlikely we can be working at our best or producing our most innovative output.
I do love summer and I’m not wishing it away. I just wish I could come up for air!
By the way, I loved connecting with you this summer!!!
Thanks Alli for contributing your insights. I so appreciate you!
Terri,
Taking those breaks is so needed yet so challenging to do at times. Agree with Joy. Exercising gives a short time of healthy distraction. Even during the day, walking around the building can give a refreshing moment.
Jon
My mind also clears when I work out and I do get a lift which can energize me.
It is sometimes challenging to get back in the swing of things when we step away, but well worth the time spent away.
Thanks Jon for keeping the dialogue going!
Great reminder about how “busyness” is really about interior dialogue!
We complain of too many things in our life when in fact most of that busyness could be minimized with our own interior dialogue.
Instead of saying yes to every great opportunity, say yes to only the best opportunities. We have the ability to moderate not only our physical activity but our mental activity as well.
Sometimes it’s easier to forfeit and give up to the information overload…but that is not being either smart or mentally tough.
I love your point LaRae that giving into information overload is not being smarter or mentally tough. It actually is putting our leadership at a disadvantage and weakening our ability to perform effectively.
The strong leader knows when they must regroup, take some time away an re-charge themselves. Recognizing those signs of overload, whether they be emotional or physical can help a great deal in not allowing us to become too diminished.
As always, thanks for your insights and sharing. I learn so much!
Terri,
Thank you for the great reminders! I have been there many times in my life!
Having just returned from a long vacation, thigs are starting to move forward again rather quickly. I keep hoping I can hang onto the mental space I need!
You’ve pointed me in the right direction to get started.
I hope you had some amazing adventures Chery on your vacation and rejuvenated! Welcome back!