Just Saying
We were on a call with at least 40 people. One of those Friday team calls where you’re encouraged to say and ask anything. It’s leadership’s way of speaking about the elephant in the room.
Trouble is, no one ever does. Or at least, we end up talking “around” the elephant.
These days, there are a lot of elephants.
One of the largest ones: the so-called work/life balance in the new virtual world.
Someone on the call said, “Life feels even busier now with call after call, and meeting and after meeting. How are we to decide which to join in one day?”
A leader responded with: “You’re all professionals and we know you can make decisions. We know you’re getting pulled in many directions right now.”
I raised my hand to comment, but instead of a simple comment, I took the floor.
“I empower all of you to have a candid conversation with your managers right now to let them know what’s going on in your life. As a father of two young children starting virtual school on Monday, my priority is them. I cannot be on every work call. I can no longer volunteer for every project and committee. For all the other parents out there in a similar situation, I feel you. Do what you have to do to prioritize.”
I thought I stuck my neck out speaking so directly, and right after a senior leader. But you know what? They echoed the sentiment. Exercise your power of no, they said.
I glanced at the chat and saw plus-ones, thank you’s, and well-said’s for a few rows.
I felt entirely relieved, and, for the first time in a long time, appreciated.
Guys, now is the time to make your case at work, and in life. Negotiate your time. Establish your line. Say it now, or you’ll never know.
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Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
