“We can wait out the storm
Or we can stand in the rain.
Gonna have to mourn
Or hide from some pain.

It weighs heavy
On my mind.
So heavy
On my mind.”

— “Heavy on My Mind”
Mavis Staples

I know, what a silly question to ask as we are eighteen-plus months into our generation’s first global pandemic.

We have navigated the early phases of social distancing, the remote work shift, temperature taking, masks, and hand sanitizer for those whose jobs could not be done from their dining room tables. We have mastered new technologies for virtual meetings. Amazon ordering, grocery delivery, and various meal-delivery services have become part of our daily life.

We have been forced to balance big issues, like how to keep ourselves and co-workers safe while keeping our organization alive and competitive. For some, their work disappeared. For others, the demand of their work increased, and their way of working needed to change.

We have seen the greatest churn in the workforce and the challenge of finding people to fill jobs.

We have somewhat adjusted to living with chronic uncertainty and political sidedness. Each day presents many opportunities for challenging decision making. The change has touched every person, every age, everywhere. And there is no going back.

There have been peaks and valleys of stress, deep sadness, and remarkable resiliency in adapting. I have witnessed ‘Pulling Together’ as well as, ‘Pulling Apart’ and even some ‘Falling Apart.’ There has been little time to get comfortable, settle in, or just coast. The phases of change continue to stretch our character and competency. And yet we persevere.

At each turn of this journey, I have shared what I have observed and discovered in the way of universal lessons and of what is bubbling up for me. I try to anticipate the next greatest need versus just being in the position of reacting — as it was in the very beginning of this mighty marathon.

I try not to fabricate concerns or worry — there is already enough to occupy us.

Yet, as we enter the days of winter when the sun rises late and sets early, I am still anxious about what is happening and what is yet to come. And a second year of holidays that will be celebrated in many ways. On top of the change of season and the challenge of finding ways of connecting safely while sharing holiday cheer, I see many people entering this time deeply fatigued and possibly even burned out.

Virtual work on calls, zooming, and being tethered to our computers is taxing our brains. I listened to an NPR segment on the book ‘A World Without Email’ by Cal Newport. This New York Times Bestselling Author details how there is a big difference between how email works and how our brains function. Too much time engaged in digital communication is contributing to a ‘hyperactive hive mind.’ Instead of facilitating increased productivity, our over-use of virtual technology tools is creating more work and frequent communication misunderstandings (as well as serious brain fatigue).

Now that we have shouldered a year of this style of working, is it time to re-examine how much we zoom and how we are using technology like email? Especially as we enter the dark, cold days of winter.

Technology is a tool. Our phones are for staying connected. Has your laptop or phone become your task master?

 

Are there boundaries that we should explore? And ways of keeping our virtual workforce in tune with those that must work in the office or plant daily?

In the beginning, it was the conflicting directions of keeping individuals safe and our organization producing. Now, I think we have learned to work in the pandemic, but I wonder if our ways of working support well-being for all?

This little mind of mine is always purring.

How are you approaching this fall and planning for this winter?

 

What are the biggest challenges confronting you and your organization?

 

Is there anything keeping you up awake at night?

I take comfort in knowing that we are all in this together. Thirty-five years into my career as a consultant and business owner, I still believe that people are basically good, well-intentioned, able to learn, and that we can do anything if we want to. And that we are capable of greatness. I garner strength from knowing that we are traveling this road into the future together.

Leslie