Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, FL and proud new member of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m eating: Jelly Belly jelly beans. Someone please take them from my desk.
- What I’m watching: “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
- What I’m working on: Our Florida City Government Week program, where about 800 third graders will be visiting City Hall in a four-day timespan.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller
Let’s face it, there’s always too much to do. In the U.S. especially, there seems to be a message sent to the working masses that unless you’re multitasking and overworked, you’re underperforming.
As public servants, the pressure to always be “on” can be overwhelming. In an internal service department, serving our internal customers can multiply the feeling of needing to move, move, move. But constantly pushing ourselves to the limit isn’t sustainable in the long run.
The truth is, we are not always available. That’s a difficult message to send to those we serve. Still, even when we tout an open-door policy, we are human beings who sometimes must take that proverbial drop-down oxygen mask for ourselves before we can help others.
Taking on too many things at once doesn’t allow an opportunity to concentrate. Mistakes are usually made when one doesn’t slow down to check work, communicate clearly, or truly listen. There is a big difference between being busy and being productive. To me, it’s the difference between quantity and quality. How can we produce quality results for our residents if we run from fire to fire before we even stop to see what kind of fire we’re running to?
Slowing down isn’t about being lazy or unproductive — it’s about finding balance and taking care of ourselves. Finding ways to slow down can actually make us more productive and creative in the long run. Here are a few thoughts on taking work speed down a notch:
- Delegate to your team: Delegating not only helps you get things done, but it may also help the person you delegate to learn something new or get more practice at something with which they don’t usually have access.
- Use your calendar: Carve out time on your schedule as “busy,” just as you would a meeting, but spend that time with the door closed and on something that needs your undivided attention.
- Get out: Even five minutes of walking outside and being mindful of different surroundings can help you disconnect. We can all find five minutes somewhere.
- Just breathe (or meditate): I’ve tried meditation and can’t do it. So, if you’re like me, doing simple deep breathing exercises can help you stay grounded and focused.
- Be honest: Set realistic expectations for what you can accomplish each day. Give yourself some grace and respect your limitations.
- Give yourself permission to say no: We all want to be team players, but taking on too much can lead to unnecessary stress. It’s OK to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being.
- Connect with others: Enjoy the good things about your work and workplace. Spend a few minutes connecting with coworkers and sharing some positive thoughts.
Ultimately, slowing down at work is about making conscious choices to prioritize your well-being. A happy and healthy you is more productive and successful, and that’s better for everyone.
“You’re still here? It’s over. Go home.” — Ferris Bueller