The Urgency Illusion
by Betsaida LeBron
photos Getty Images
“Constant urgency is not only unhelpful, it’s unhealthy.”
I used to work for a company where everything was a mad rush. Emails demanded instant replies, phone calls and texts required immediate responses. It was chaos, and it was exhausting.
Sound familiar?
When everything is labeled "urgent," it becomes challenging to know what genuinely needs immediate attention and what can afford to wait a beat.
Working in constant stress can take a toll on productivity and the overall quality of work. Often, I found myself rushing through tasks, not dedicating the thoughtful consideration they deserved. It was only later, after I learned I was neurodivergent, that I understood how this false sense of urgency amplified my challenges.
Even if you don't identify as "neurospicy," reducing false urgency is beneficial for everyone, and something I emphasize with my leadership coaching clients. By taking back control of your time and prioritizing tasks effectively, you can foster a more balanced and harmonious work-life.
The Urgency Illusion
Let's talk about urgency - not the real, immediate kind, but the fake urgency that seems to permeate our workplaces.
I remember at that same job, my colleague - let's call her Jane - got an email from a client. They wanted some info Jane didn’t have right away. Jane, feeling the pressure, bolted to my desk for help ASAP.
Jane was stressed, and it was contagious. I started to worry, wondering how we could gather the info quickly.
We both put down what we were working on, scrambled for the info, but guess what? The client didn’t need it until next week. Jane got swept up in the client's fake urgency, and I got swept up in Jane’s.
Funny enough, this sense of urgency didn't assist us at all. In fact, it messed up our productivity. I was working on something else when Jane stormed into my office. Once we finished, I had to start over and find my rhythm again.
Wish I could say that was a one-off, but fake urgency is all over the place. It’s easy to get caught up when you’re put on the spot. I've been there, asked for info I didn't have ready. It's tempting to panic and feel like you have to fix everything right then. But I've learned to step back, think it through, and not rush tasks just to tick them off. After all, work tasks come in every day and often more than once. The growing pressure can make the urgency feel huge.
And it's worth mentioning that constant urgency is not only unhelpful, it’s unhealthy. It throws our bodies and minds into stress mode, kicking off the "fight or flight" response. That can lead to headaches, tense muscles, and sleep issues, as well as mental stuff like anxiety and burnout.
So, you get how harmful false urgency can be. You might be thinking, "What can we do about it?" Good news! There are a few simple strategies to tackle this fake urgency and make our work life healthier and happier.
Reducing False Urgency
1. Take a breath and reassess
Taking a quick break to reassess the situation can do wonders. It's like hitting a pause button to clear your head. This allows you to objectively analyze what's on your plate, the resources you have to tackle it, and how urgent it really is. It's a game-changer that helps manage stress, make smart decisions, and maintain balance.
TAKE ACTION: Take three deep breaths and change your location for a fresh perspective.
2. Acknowledge your humanity
To deal with false urgency, remember you're human. Perfection isn't the goal. Not every task is a sprint, and it's OK not to have immediate answers. Appreciate yourself for being you, not for how fast you can beat the clock.
TAKE ACTION: Try this "I Love My Spot" game. Look around your immediate surroundings and find three things that make you happy. Say their names out loud and express your love for them. This reminds you to stay present and relaxed, disconnecting from any sense of urgency and connecting with the joy around you.
3. Use tools to help your brain out
Don't try to remember everything on your own. Use tools to make it easier. Use calendars to keep track of your schedule, write down ideas in note-taking apps, and use project management tools to manage tasks. If you're in a hurry, use voice memos to record your thoughts quickly. Collaborative platforms make it easy to communicate with your team and share documents. These tools don't just help manage your workload, they also help reduce stress, letting you focus on work and relax.
TAKE ACTION: Make a list of the tools you're using right now or the ones you're thinking of trying out. Remember, not every tool suits everyone. If a tool doesn't work for you, it's okay to stop using it or look for a different one.
Redefining Urgency
In our fast-moving work world, it's easy to feel like we're always racing against the clock. We rush from task to task, with little time for careful thought or planning. But here's a reality check: not everything is as urgent as it might seem. By keeping a handle on our sense of urgency, and using strategies like taking regular breaks, using helpful tools, and remembering we're only human, we can create a more relaxed, effective, and enjoyable workspace.
So, let's push back against the pressure to always be in a rush and take a more mindful, strategic approach to our work. After all, taking our time doesn't mean we're dropping the ball; it just means we're juggling our tasks in a way that respects our well-being and boosts our productivity.
If you're a manager looking for ways to take back your time, schedule your free strategy kickoff. Let's strategize and brainstorm how you can reduce the false urgency in your leadership role.
May 2024
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