1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.
One of my goals for the year is to experiment with different approaches and tools to strengthen my relationships with the people I love and care about.
Strong relationships are the number one driver of happiness. So, how do we create moments – personally and professionally – that deepen our relationships?
We will revisit ideas from prior RiseWithDrew posts on this topic for the next several Fridays. Today, we turn to the professional relationships.
What’s a barrier that all too often gets in the way of building relationships?
Technology.
2: First, to be clear: I like technology. Technology is a good thing. Technology makes our lives better.
And…technology is also a relationship-chiller.
Let’s say we’re having an important conversation with someone. A phone buzzes, beeps, or rings. What does it mean if one of us picks up the phone?
It’s called digital distraction, and it means – implicitly or explicitly – that text, message, or call is more important than our conversation.
3: Today, let’s take it a step further: as leaders, do we expect our colleagues to answer emails and texts after work hours?
We’re not talking about IT professionals whose job is to monitor and fix servers 24/7 or other positions where people are explicitly “on-call.” We’re talking about everyone else.
Do our organization’s leaders expect people to read and respond to emails at night? Do we celebrate those who do?
Do we as leaders publicly say we don’t expect people to answer emails after work hours? Do we walk the talk? Do we advise folks to turn off the notification “ding”?
Technology has blurred the line between personal and professional time. Being actively aware of this fact is step one.
Step two is choosing to prioritize the people and relationships in our lives. Having people check email and text after work hours interferes with building solid relationships.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the longest and most comprehensive study on human happiness, says: “The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
Drawing a bright line between our personal and professional lives is a strategy that works.
More next week!
_______________________
Reflection: Do we expect our colleagues to be available 24/7?
Action: Commit to not sending emails to our team after 6 pm.
What did you think of this post?
