WHO NEEDS TO SLEEP ANYWAY?
3 REASONS WHY WE’RE ALWAYS SWAMPED
Working in local government, it often feels like we're sprinting on a hamster wheel cranked to turbo mode. Despite our best attempts at time management, the to-do list grows longer, and free time becomes as mythical as a sasquatch sighting (I think the latter is more achievable).
1. The Cult of Productivity: Does that candle have a third end to burn?
Ah, behold the cult of productivity - an endless pursuit of efficiency that has trapped us into cramming more tasks into our days than there are hours. Have we unwittingly slipped into this post-COVID pace without a moment to catch our breath? While our roles in local government remain essential, are we overburdening ourselves by attempting to address every single request from elected officials and residents alike? It's a shared struggle from every level within your organization, even up to the electeds, who grapple with similar demands. So, what's the solution? It's not about stalling for time or passing the buck. Nope, it's about facing those requests head-on and being honest with our answers and capacity. And, if saying “no” just isn’t an option, I’m sure you can power through on four cups of coffee and sheer force of will.
2. Technology: It’s making our lives better, right… right?
It may seem a blessing to wear comfy clothes and let Zoom hide that we haven’t showered in a few days. The downside is that we find ourselves in back-to-back meetings without a single minute of downtime in between. When not on Zoom, we're starting up an application, searching for that particular password to copy/paste, waiting for the newest version to update, and then ultimately getting distracted by our phones... wait, what were we talking about? Technology has become both our best friends and our worst enemies. It's allowed us to accomplish more, and expectations of how much more we can handle have gone hand in hand.
3. Politics, the Climate... What else is consuming that 'noggin of yours?
We scoff at those obsessed with soap operas, but why are we caught up in the similar interplay of national and international politics? The drama of everyday life is no different. It’s tumultuous, filled with characters, and on TV all the time. It's not that global issues are unimportant; it's just that some may not be a problem for us to solve or obsess over – at least not today.
What’s a local government geek to do? We are committed to serving our community and supporting our colleagues. We also recognize the importance of that bi-weekly paycheck in maintaining our quality of life. So, let’s protect our time, attention, and focus by directing them toward addressing the challenges within our influence. Let’s slow down to center on the real issues affecting those around us. These challenges are often resolved through face-to-face dialogue and establishing trust and credibility within our communities, including residents, colleagues, and electeds.
Baby steps, right? And... why are you still reading this? Shouldn't you be reviewing a comprehensive pothole-filling plan on new software that requires a unique 16-character password?
Kim Newcomer
Founder, Slate Communications
Kim has 26 years of experience in communications and marketing for communities. She has a proven method of blending traditional communication tools with progressive engagement techniques. Prior to starting Slate, Kim worked for the communities of Vail, Durango, and Fort Collins, Colorado.