Your Connection is Unstable
I have noticed my attention span getting shorter lately. Can anyone relate? I hear people talk about Zoom fatigue and suppose that might be a contributor to my apparent inability to concentrate on one thing at a time. There is increased mental strain involved in leading virtual groups and work calls trying to make sure everyone feels included, constantly scanning the screen to read body language of those participating. I have no doubt this is a real thing, but I’m also wondering if the year and a half of being away from physical social interaction has also had some effect on my ability to be present and focused.
Digital engagement is not new. We were always bombarded with digital messages and video streaming, as well as normal tv watching and the occasional Netflix binge, but when EVERTHING went digital, including holiday gatherings, did we lose something in the process?
Personal Connection
One of the biggest losses we have experienced is personal connection. While everyone was talking about social distancing, we took it so much further than the physical distance. Remember when we used to go to the office and before a meeting would start, we would ask each other things like: How are you? How was the weekend? Did you see the game last night? In the digital environment, we jump right into the meeting agenda and only reach out to co-workers if we have questions like: Did you see my email? Are you going to be on the call today? Where is the file for our meeting later?
Empathy
This lack of personal connection affects our ability to understand when others are going through something and share in their journey. Now we empathize only when we agree with the person’s viewpoint. We judge complete strangers’ comments and choices when we know nothing about their personal story. Interacting only through digital means allows us to de-humanize the person on the other end of the computer, tablet or phone and opens the door for comparison and complaining.
Vulnerability
If there is a lack of personal connection and feelings that people will only judge you instead of trying to empathize, then vulnerability is completely lost. Why put yourself out there if you are just going to be judged, right? Brené Brown says, “staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.”
As I reflect on some of these losses, it reminds me of being on a call last week when my internet wasn’t working great and the message popped up “your internet connection is unstable.” The underlying truth is my connections aren’t stable either. I can’t help but wonder if my shortened attention span might be a result of not having enough real, personal connections that only come from vulnerability and authentic conversations.
In the virtual environment it is easier to stay on the surface and not open up about the struggles we are going through. The things people would be able to see if they worked in the office with you all day are easily hidden behind a fake smile or a turned-off camera.
So, whether you are in an office, fully remote or somewhere in-between, make a point to reach out and connect with someone this week. Be present. Be vulnerable. Listen and empathize. It will be a better week for you and the other person. We can do this – together.
Kathy is VP of Perishables at On-Shelf Marketing Group, a local broker for the Kroger family of stores. She has over 22 years of experience working for the Kroger Co. She was previously Director of Culinary Development where she was responsible for leading innovation and new food concept development. Prior to that, she was Director of Food Service on the deli/bakery team, where she was responsible for Starbucks, Sushi and other third-party relationships. She also held the position of Sr Category Manager for grocery and Corporate Brand Sr Culinary Innovation Manager, where she led innovation and strategy work across all departments.
Kathy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Butler University in Indianapolis. She has been named one of Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery. Kathy also founded a women’s ministry called Women in the Marketplace, Inc, a non-profit that helps working women grow in faith, build relationships and impact the community.