New term: Pivot Fatigue
One term that I’ve been hearing a lot of lately is “Pivot Fatigue.” Referring to the exhaustion that is setting in as:
- Plans keep changing and changing – both personally and professionally
- Working from home has lost its luster: what seemed like newly-captured productivity in 2020, has turned into a feeling of being trapped by Zoom
- Schools are open, then closed. The Hybrid model means being prepared for it to change at any given moment
- Seemingly constant changes to state and local guidelines and recommendations
The message today:
Pivot Fatigue is real. The more power you have over your life grants more power for pivot fatigue to negatively impact you. When people on your team – and people on their teams – are constantly forced to pivot/adjust/move things in their professional lives it puts extra pressure on their personal lives. As leaders we need to:
- First, acknowledge Pivot Fatigue – realism needs to come before positivity
- Then, demonstrate good self-care – take your vacations. Don’t let people see you working on Sunday nights. Create space on your calendar to transition, breathe…plan, and actually WORK!
- Lastly, talk with others about your upcoming plans and enlist them to work with you through the changes that might come up
Please remind yourself, and your colleagues about the good news…many companies are expanding, the rollout of vaccines is improving confidence, and the idea of springtime is lifting our spirits. The light at the end of the tunnel is growing. We need to lead with grace, kindness, and a light-hearted spirit to overcome Pivot Fatigue.
Pivot Fatigue is real, and our team of expert coaches is here to get you through it. Email us to get started.