The Myth of 24/7: How Constant Availability Erodes the Human Experience at Work
Shawn Nason
Experience Evangelist | Empathy Enthusiast | Walt Disney Imagineer | Heart-Centered Executive | Cancer Thriver | BIPOC & Neurodiversity Advocate | Author | Keynote Speaker | Top 200 Influencer | Top 30 CX Influencer
Hello Fellow Leaders,
Today I want to talk to you about something that's been bothering me—the prevalent myth that we, as C-suite executives and leaders, need to be available 24/7 to be effective. Let's get real, heart-to-heart, and dissect why this notion is not only false but damaging to the very fiber of what makes an organization truly humane.
Falling in Love with the Right Problem
You see, this whole "always-on" mindset is a symptom of a bigger problem. It's like we've become enamored with the hustle, forgetting to fall in love with the real problems that need solving—the human experiences of our team members, customers, and even ourselves. Remember, "If you get the human experience right, you will get the numbers you need." ~ Shawn Nason
The Impact on Experience
Think about these principles of experience design that I use — Know Me, Surprise Me, and Make It Easy For Me. When you're constantly plugged in, how well can you actually uphold these principles? Not only for your team but for yourself. If we're always 'on,' then when do we get the chance to step back and take a comprehensive view of the experiences we're creating or subjecting ourselves to?
Being the Dragon
I say it's time we cut through the noise. We need to be the dragons that challenge conventional wisdom and say, "No, it's not only okay to disconnect, but it's necessary." (If you haven't read my book, Kiss Your Dragons, click here to get it. It will help you understand why I talk so much about Dragons)
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Statistics Don't Lie
According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, executives who were "always-on" were linked with a 32% decrease in employee engagement levels. When the top leadership is constantly engaged in work, it creates an unhealthy culture and environment, inevitably leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and stifled creativity. In other words, we're doing more harm than good.
Building Radical Relationships
Here is another concept from the book, Kiss Your Dragons, I want to bring to light. Our leadership philosophy should be grounded in relationships, transparency, and love for people. How can you build a meaningful relationship with your team if you're too busy being a slave to your inbox or your endless list of tasks? Radical relationships require time—time to listen, time to understand, and time to be human.
Soaring with Your Dragons
If we're genuinely committed to impacting the world, showing more love, empathy, and forgiveness, then we've got to lead by example. We have to be the first to show that life is a balance and that our value isn't determined by our constant availability but by the quality of our presence, the depth of our relationships, and the positive changes we can drive.
A Final Thought
I urge you, let's debunk this myth together and restore humanity to the C-suite and beyond. Let's make our organizations not just places where work happens, but where people feel valued, supported, and understood. Remember, leading with our hearts makes for not only a fulfilling life but also a thriving organization.
Your Dragon Slayer, Shawn Nason
Chief of People | Customer Experience Strategist "Our people are our greatest asset. My 4Ps are People, Passion, Purpose & Profits. Ask me why :-)"
1 年I’m guilty of this as I make myself available 24/7 even in the weekends. It’s an uphill battle now to train my team that I’m human and can’t be 100% all the time. Any tips Shawn Nason ?
Top 100 Thought Leaders l Bestselling Author I Keynote Speaker l Podcast Host l Founder of Psychology Talks l Marketing Research Consultant
1 年It is so important to protect our well being befor4 helping others
Cofounder @ VERY | transforming relationships with food, body, and self
1 年I try to accept everyone and each individual situation on my team. I 100% do not need to be on all the time or have my folks do so. The fact that I’m founder and ceo, I realize I set the pace, and I want people to take time off, delete email from phone, etc, AND I hope our environment allows me - and others - to absolutely work crazy hours and send emails at God awful hours without having to worry I’m going to deflate my employees egos. I think I’d have the wrong folks on my team in that instance. Just a point to the fact that Jobs/Musk and most other founders worked insane hours until the thing was going, then we can comfortably hire someone to coach and teach and preach work/life to folks that value balance and fulfill roles at larger organizations. The only way to get large is to be awesome. The only way to be awesome is to give 100%. The only way to give 100% is to be able to operate freely with freedom to fail. Build the team that will meet your expectations (not always on, give 100%, and non judgmental self-starters). Then do your job and otherwise get out of people’s way.
The importance of work-life balance and boundaries is often underestimated in today's fast-paced world. How do you personally maintain a healthy balance in your professional life, Shawn Nason?
National Patient Experience Executive ? CAHPS Expert | Human-Centered-Design, Behavioral Science & Organizational Transformation ? Experience happens whether you focus on it or not. Choose wisely.
1 年Protect your peace! Like when Hiccup says, “Go lead them to the hidden world, you'll be safe there…” Shawn, I need to do a better job of training my “dragon”…