My college had four faculty meetings a year in my first sixteen years as a professor.
I remember complaining that the Dean was a bad communicator & it would be great to know more about what was going on.
I have worked in a college that holds faculty meetings every month for two years.
I now look back on my first sixteen years as meeting-free heaven. Ignorance was bliss.
While I love that my new Dean keeps faculty updated, I suffer from severe meeting fatigue.
Why?
Because in an era of COVID, Zoom, budget cuts, & reorganization, I lack the energy to deal with news and updates that could mean even more change in my professional life.
Often, I hop off an admin zoom call, I pet my dog, & think, ‘when will the chaos end?’
I suspect many folks are like me. Ready for peace, quiet, and getting back to the regular routine of complaining about administration, performing in the classroom, and working on papers.
So how to cope with the fatigue? Induced by another meeting? Where a change is announced?
First, remember that no one likes bringing bad news. Have compassion for the Dean or the henchman assigned to present.
If you show compassion, you are less likely to make the news personal and get angry at the messenger.
Anger, in general, is wasted emotion at faculty meetings; save the energy for when you can use it to good effect. Otherwise, let it go.
Second, accept that change is coming. If you enter the meeting expecting something unexpected, you won’t be as bothered by announcements. You may even be pleasantly surprised by the proposed change.
We live in a tumultuous time. You don’t have to embrace it. You do need to think in advance about a coping strategy.
Third, take a break before & after the call. Work on stress shows that simply giving yourself a break - or the option of one - helps you manage stress.
I like to take a short walk around the block at home or across campus before or after meetings.
Fourth, strategically turn off the video. I find getting up & stretching during calls works wonders. No one wants to watch me stretch.
I do simple stretches when I find my stress level rising or fatigue setting in.
I still listen. But the movement helps, especially on days where I have several calls.
I don’t worry someone will notice - on a call of 15+ people - folks come and go all the time.
Fifth, be aware of multiple perspectives on updates & new initiatives.
While you may love the Dean’s updates, keep in mind there is someone who likely has the opposite point of view.
Your tendency may be to engage with the opposition; however, engaging during the meeting gets nothing done other than creating a combative reputation.
During & after the meeting, ask yourself what is the best way to manage the situation?
Doing nothing is acceptable.
While I’m still tired, I am less frustrated these days, and my dog loves the walks.
I hope these tips help!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_five-tips-for-coping-with-zoom-faculty-meetings-activity-6898436701904105472-UBYk?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
Comments