4 Qs - Responses to Change: The Low Battery 🪫

Quintessential Thought

In our series about responses to change, we’ve looked at The Spark, The Shield, The Anchor, and The Microscope. This week, we turn our attention to…

The Low Battery: Exhaustion

Sometimes, people respond to change with a gradual decline, their energy reserves depleted, their batteries running low. This manifests as decreased productivity, an uptick in errors, a creeping cynicism, and unmistakable signs of disengagement. The spark that once fueled their contributions dims, leaving behind a sense of weariness and detachment.

The Upside: This response, while concerning, serves as a crucial signal, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices and emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of well-being. It shines a light on the human cost of relentless change, forcing a re-evaluation of workloads and expectations. It reminds us that people are not machines, and that long-term success requires a foundation of rest and recovery.

The Challenges: If left unaddressed, this exhaustion leads to a cascading effect of decreased morale, a rise in turnover, and a significant decline in overall team performance that erodes their collective resilience. The very fabric of the team begins to fray, threatening the success of the change initiative and the organization as a whole.

Leading through It: As a leader, one of your primary jobs is to offer focus, inviting people to set their attention on the most important outcomes. Anything more than temporary exhaustion can indicate your people are overwhelmed or have change fatigue, and you may need to narrow the focus for them to be able to recharge and make progress on the most important changes.

It is also important to celebrate and acknowledge progress so that their activities are connected to a larger purpose and they can visualize the success. Ultimately, leading through exhaustion requires a shift from pushing harder to working smarter, prioritizing sustainability over short-term gains, and remembering that the human element is the organization's most valuable asset.

Quotes

"Exhaustion isn't laziness; it's a signal that the engine is overheating." - Dr. Anya Sharma

"The human cost of change is real. Ignore it, and you'll pay a higher price." - Isabella Rossi

"Focus is the antidote to overwhelm. Leaders, provide it." - Professor Liam O'Connell

Quick Step

Dedicate a few minutes in your next meeting or one-on-one for an "energy audit," asking others to rate their current energy level (1-5) and share why they picked that number.

Question

How do you model sustainable work practices for your team?

Low Battery icon created by Smashicons - Flaticon

Professional Scrum Product Owner, May 5-8

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