Navigating those Energy Drainers

Hi Everyone. I'm a little late with this newsletter. Sorry!

Some of us are still returning to the office after the solitude of remote work. Would you agree that this is still a difficult shift? From quiet family settings (not) and Amazon deliveries being the only interruptions, we're suddenly bombarded with coffee invites, 'urgent' discussions and random "do you need anything?" queries. This complex energy exchange doesn't only happen face2face, it also unfolds in the digital realm, thanks to platforms like Microsoft Teams (and Zoom of course).

Let's Talk The Negative Energy Drainers

Addressing another aspect of this challenge is those who are referred to as 'the negative energy drainers'. These are they who work with or around you, you actually know them well enough, the colleagues who always seem to have a cloud over their heads or bring a mood into the room.

Psychologists have found that one person in a negative mood transmits their angst to others nearby within five minutes. Yes, even when they aren't speaking to each other or directly working together. So when someone else comes into the room with a grey cloud over their head or in a frenetic mood, we all feel it.

You can read more here - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11031-009-9151-3

So how do you navigate this?

Empathise and Listen- Start by trying to understand what might be causing their negative mood. Sometimes, people bring their personal issues to work, and a sympathetic ear can make a significant difference. Active listening can help them feel heard and may even lead to a resolution of their concerns.

Maintain Your Positivity- While it's important to empathise, be mindful of not letting their negativity affect your mood. Positivity can be equally contagious, so maintain your optimistic outlook and don't get drawn into their negative energy.

Set Boundaries- Politely but firmly establish boundaries with negative colleagues. Let them know when you need to focus or when it's not an appropriate time for extended discussions. Be respectful but assertive in maintaining your own workspace.

Offer Solutions- If possible, try to offer solutions to their problems rather than just listening to complaints. Sometimes, people may not realise that there are practical ways to address their issues.

Encourage a Positive Environment- Create a positive and supportive atmosphere within your team or department. Encourage colleagues to share successes, express gratitude, and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Lead by Example- If you're in a leadership position, lead by example. Demonstrate a positive attitude and reinforce the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Encourage your team members to support each other.

Seek HR or management assistance- If a colleague's negative behaviour is persistent and disruptive to the work environment, consider involving your HR department or management. They can provide guidance and sign posting on how to address the issue more formally.

Self Care- Ensure you're taking care of your own well-being. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, engage in stress-relief activities, and seek support from friends and family if needed. This will help you stay resilient in the face of negativity.

Encourage Positive Communication- Foster open and positive communication within your team. Encourage colleagues to express their concerns constructively and work together to find solutions. This can help mitigate the spread of negative energy.

Personal Development- Encourage negative colleagues to consider personal development opportunities, such as workshops or coaching, to help them manage their emotions and attitude more effectively.

Remember, it's important to approach this situation with empathy and understanding. Some individuals may be going through difficult times, and your support can make a positive impact. However, if their negativity continues to affect your work environment, it may be necessary to involve higher authorities to address the issue appropriately.

Let's Talk MS Teams

Now, back to the topic at hand, Microsoft Teams. With its traffic light RAG (Red, Amber & Green) system indicating availability, you'd think it would make boundary settings easier. But it becomes a double-edged sword, especially if you have MS Teams on your smartphone. Walk away from your desk for a quick Pepsi Zero break, and your status might just switch to 'Available,' inviting unintended disruptions. (I hate when it goes off in the WC)

So how do you navigate this?

Busy Signal- While in your intense working zone, set your MS Teams status to 'Busy' or 'Do Not Disturb.' Let the digital spies know that you're not to be disturbed, just as you would tell a colleague who approaches you in the office. A simple, "I'm working on a deadline, can we catch up later?" usually does the trick.

Calendar Invitation- For those who frequently have 'urgent' matters to discuss, propose a scheduled chat. Send a calendar invite through MS Teams or your preferred platform, signaling that you value their time, just as much as you value yours.

Soft Decline- When it comes to coffee invites or casual meetings, a polite yet firm "I'd love to, but I've committed to an eLearning deadline. Maybe next week?" shows that you're still interested in socializing, but at a time that's convenient for you.

Digital Do-Not-Disturb- Beyond MS Teams, don't forget to activate your email auto-reply or set your instant messaging apps to 'Busy' when you're in your intense working zone.

Honest Conversation- Should all else fail, an open and honest conversation about your need for focused work time can be quite effective. Transparency generally earns you the respect and the space you require.

Let's Talk The Email Interruption Dilemma

Mira Kirshenbaum, clinical director of the Chestnut Hill Institute says, "Every time you let e-mail interrupt you, it takes you a surprisingly long time to get back in focus. That's wasted energy, which drains you."

So how do you navigate this?

Schedule Email Time- Allocate specific periods during your workday for checking and responding to emails. This prevents constant interruptions and allows you to focus on your tasks.

Turn Off Notifications- Disable email notifications on your computer and smartphone. This way, you won't be tempted to check your inbox every time a new message arrives.

Use Filters and Labels- Organise your email with filters and labels to prioritise important messages. This helps you quickly identify which emails need your immediate attention.

Set Boundaries- Communicate with your colleagues about your email response times. Let them know that you have designated periods for email communication and assure them that urgent matters can be addressed through other channels if necessary.

Practice Email Discipline- Resist the urge to check your email constantly. Instead, commit to completing your current task before opening your inbox.

By implementing these strategies, you can regain control over your email and minimise interruptions, allowing you to conserve your energy and maintain focus on your work.

The transition from remote work to a physical office has its set of challenges, espicially now that more individuals are returning and still we are navigating digital platforms like Microsoft Teams. The key to preserving your energy and focus is in setting clear boundaries, both in person and online. As always, the goal is to do this respectfully, ensuring that professional relationships remain intact. Until next week, wishing you all the focus and fulfillment you need in your work life.