An excerpt from Lauren Parsons’ book ‘Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams’.

Technology has drastically changed the way we live, play, move, breathe and work. Many of the advancements are fantastic. They simplify and speed up processes, make us easy to contact, and keep us informed and in touch with loved ones. However, technology is a double-edged sword, with serious negative impacts for our wellbeing, relationships and productivity when not wielded correctly.

Technology is making us: 

1. Constantly accessible.
2. Less connected.
3. More distracted.
4. Overloaded with information.

Let’s look at the second challenge of being less connected human to human and how we can overcome it.  

Challenge #2 – Less Connected

Despite being constantly connected digitally, we’re less connected human to human. Leadership expert, Simon Sinek, believes too many people are addicted to their phones and like any addiction it will “destroy relationships, cost time, cost money and make your life worse.” The non-stop stimulus smart devices provide is rewiring our brains to make us less skilled at real human connection.

Relationships are fundamental to our wellbeing and even our life expectancy. We’re wired to connect and while technology can connect us across oceans, the best connections happen in person. There’s nothing quite like it. When we’re distracted on devices in the presence of others, it damages our relationships – both with loved ones and work colleagues.

Maintaining strong social connections is vital for us to thrive and much of that connection can be fostered at work, but technology is reducing those opportunities. Even younger people who are often seen as the biggest embracers of technology aren’t all fans. Over half of respondents in a global millennials survey were pessimistic about technology’s impact, saying it makes the workplace more impersonal and less human.

When you attend a meeting and the first thing you do is put your phone on the table (even if it’s on silent and upside-down), it instantly sends the message that the people you’re in the room with are not really that important to you. We need to disconnect from the online world to connect eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart.

As a leader you can set the example for others by the way you use your devices in other people’s presence and by what you tolerate.

How to Connect

IDEAS FOR LEADERS

• Make a point of chatting to team members, looking them in the eye, without your phone visible.
• Educate your team on the benefits of being fully present with one another. You might introduce a ‘code word’ anyone can use as a light-hearted way to remind others if they’re distracted on their phone when you’re with them.
• Set the example with your behaviour (and apologise if you break your own rules).
• Have a basket which everyone places their phones in during meetings. Have them do this as soon as they arrive, as those precious moments before the meeting starts are important for connection.
• Open meetings with a check in question to build commonality.
• Have connection meetings. These are non-work-focused meetings designed purely as a way to improve your team dynamic. See my Connection Meeting Guide available in the book Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams

IDEAS FOR INDIVIDUALS

• Set rules for yourself with your technology use and have certain places such as in meetings or at the dinner table that are phone-free zones. Keep them completely out-of-sight.
• Make a point of excusing yourself from other people and stepping away if you need to send a text message or check something on your device, then step back. This one practice will make you aware of how often you use a device in the presence of others.
• Focus on being present and ‘in the room’ with the people you’re with as much as possible, especially in your down time.
• Do a digital detox from time to time. Start with a timeframe that feels doable. Begin with a block of a few hours, increase it to a day or an entire weekend and see how you feel. 
• Leverage technology by working from home when possible, to reduce your commute time and allow you more quality time connecting with friends and family.

Enjoyed this article? 

If you’d like to lift your leadership skills and discover how to create a thriving workplace culture, check out the Leading So People Thrive course and make a real difference as a leader.

About the Author – Lauren Parsons, CSP, AS

Lauren is a keynote speaker, author and consultant who’s passionate about helping busy people discover little-used techniques to boost their energy, vitality and performance. She’s the only speaker in the world to focus on lifting BOTH workplace wellbeing and productivity.

Awarded NZ Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year 2023/24 by the Professional Speakers Association. Lauren is a sought-after international speaker, one of only a dozen Certified Speaking Professionals and the only Accredited Speaker in New Zealand.

TEDx speaker, Author of Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams and Real Food Less Fuss, Founder of the Snack on Exercise movement and host of the Thrive TV Show. With over 20 years’ experience, Lauren integrates her wellness and business background to help leaders find the sweet spot between boosting both wellbeing and productivity.

Described as unforgettable and life-changing, Lauren is a dynamic and highly-engaging presenter, and master story-teller who will have you laughing, moving and learning in a memorable way. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, you will leave Lauren’s session feeling uplifted and empowered to create positive change, today!

Based in the Manawatu, New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and three children, Lauren can often be found hosting dinner parties, playing board games, running, reading or getting out in her gumboots to walk the paddocks. She travels regularly to speak at conferences and in-house and specialises in helping leaders create positive, energised workplaces where people thrive.

Check out all the goodness at Lauren’s “Free Stuff” page at www.LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com

Ways to connect with Lauren:

• Find out about conference keynotes 
• See her most popular topics
• Make a time for a virtual cuppa over zoom