It bugs all of us at one time or another, the fear that we’re going to miss out on something important. Is it an email? Is it a meeting? Is it a conversation we should be in on? Is it the latest office gossip? How much time do you consume thinking about whether you’re out of the loop, dropping the ball, maybe disappointing the team? Of course, all of this worry steals the energy and focus you need to get the more important work done.
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, 80% of those surveyed experience information overload, driven by factors such as constant information 24/7 and too many apps to check during each day. But the Brits don’t have a corner on this problem. We all suffer from it on this side of the pond as well – except for certain people. So, who are those people who seem to avoid this taxing issue and what do they do to do so? In my observations and interviews, here’s what I’m discovering:
First, they continually examine all the stuff they could be concerned about. Then they decide what they need to be concerned about and deftly dismiss the rest. When I deftly, I mean that they give themselves permission to let go of stuff that, in the big picture, is not really that important. Then they let it go, discreetly. Here’s an example. I visited with an executive who was inundated with updates, periodic reports and “keeping you in the loop” communications that consumed a couple of hours every day. At first he wondered, “Should I keep abreast of all this? After all, I’m the top dog in this part of the organization. I don’t want to appear unprepared.”
But then he realized that no one ever really asked about all the stuff he was sent or copied on. He also observed that his senior colleagues were comfortable saying, “Tell me more about that,” or “How do you think we should handle that?” when approached about certain issues. He realized that when he was asked a question to which he did not know the specific answer, it was okay to say, “I don’t know,” or “Why don’t you refresh my memory.” As a result, he simply stopped reading most of the communications that filled up his email every day. In some cases, he asked individuals to consolidate the information into bulleted summaries and send them less often. When you add it together, he has eliminated hundreds of hours of review time every single year.
Look around your workplace. Who always seems to be relaxed and on top of things? Where do they spend their time? Where do they not spend their time? Even if you are not an executive, there’s probably lots of this keeping you-in-the-loop information that does not require your time. If the boss asks about something and you have to come up to speed, say so. Then make it a priority at that point.
Second, these individuals don’t allow themselves to get wrapped up in others’ worries and urgencies. Ever have someone come to you in panic about something that sounds like the world will end if you don’t drop what you’re doing? How much emotion do you wrap in this other person’s “disaster.” The individuals who successfully avoid all this take a long breath. They allow as much of the emotion to drain out of the situation as possible. Then they ask calmly, “How do you think this should be handled?” If the person goes back into panic mode, they repeat these steps. Rinse and repeat. Then they work calmly and methodically to resolve the situation. I’ve watched a number of people respond this way. When I’ve asked them about their secret to doing so, universally they’ve said, “Except for the building being on fire, NOTHING is THAT critical. This enables them to conserve the time and energy others waste on these so-called disasters.
Third, they don’t refill this saved time with other tasks and thoughts that merely recreate the stress they might have felt from the original workplace fears. Ever feel like you’re on a treadmill because once you’ve let go of one FOMO task, but another one takes its place? Here I would refer you back to the first point I made. Continually examine all the stuff you could be concerned about. Then decide if you really need to be concerned about this next worry. Chances are about 99% you don’t. So don’t get allow yourself to get sucked in.
Workplace FOMO will bury you, if you allow it. Now, I realize that all this is easier said than done. So start small. But don’t let your self-talk talk you out of walking away from these time wasters. Want some support? There are others in your workplace who are dealing with same FOMO. Ask them to review your FOMOs and help them to review their own. Then hold each other accountable. Let me know how this works by typing in your comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe. I’ve got lot’s more practical ideas just like these. I’m Bob Wendover.