eclipse
Grab your solar shades! Today’s Great North American Eclipse is the headline. It’s especially the focal point for folks here in upstate New York because we’re situated in the path of totality. It’s been exciting to watch the world and region prepare for this celestial and historical event. Hasn’t it?
Because I’m a word nerd, I looked into the Greek and Latin etymology of the word eclipse. The word ultimately means “fail to appear,” or to “abandon an accustomed place.” Hmm… interesting.
Do you remember a time in professional society when we, as a whole, respectfully abided by “business hours” to carry out business communications? What was it, something like 9 a.m.-5 p.m. was the official etiquette? Pardon me, I seem to have forgotten. Regardless, the time parameter existed for a reason.
At AMC we work with clients in various professional fields like medicine, manufacturing, academics, government, etc., and every client points out that “constant connectivity,” or 24-hour communication access, is creating a feeling of burnout. More proof yet, I receive emails at all hours of the day/night from the various target markets I serve in business. Even wilder, students email me in the middle of the night asking questions about assignments, requesting extensions, etc. What?
In light of the eclipse (ha) I thought it was a good time to reintroduce this scientific chart presented in the book, Ikigai, by educational experts and award-winning authors, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. The chart compares the traditional cave dweller to the modern human:
Cave dweller: Relaxed most of the time | Modern human: works most of the time and alert to any/all threats
Cave dweller: Felt stress in only very specific situations | Modern human: Online waiting for 24-hour notifications
Cave dweller: The threats were real. A predator could end their lives at any moment | Modern human: Brain associates cell phone/email ping with threat of predator
Cave dweller: High doses of cortisol and adrenaline at moments of danger kept the body healthy | Modern human: Low doses of cortisol flow constantly through body, creating range of health problems
Please take time to think about these comparisons, what they mean for society, and our future generations. Hell! Even in 1926, a man named Henry Ford pulled back on the 48-hour work week, noting it yielded only a small increase in productivity.
At AMC we know the state of constant connectivity is a contradictory barrier in business, and a worthy ethical debate. We know constant connectivity impacts the quality of our communications, the quality of productivity, and most importantly the quality of our lives. That’s why we’re leading this conversation in industry and created the 3C’s Mindful Communication Model™ and Masterclass Programming as a solution to help you and your teams become innovative communicators that get results in a tech-dominated world.
In closing, I challenge us to set boundaries with respect to access and time. I challenge us to “eclipse,” so we can better contribute to the business of people. People still matter, right?
Let’s get started! Schedule a complimentary consultation today. Also, are you searching for a keynote speaker or moderator for your next event? Reach out!
I look forward to our good work together. Sending gratitude & presence to you and your colleagues.
I hope you and your families enjoy(ed) the Great North American Eclipse!
Mindfully Speaking,
Anna Michele Bulszewicz
Founder, Anna Michele Communications