I recently came across a viral post that read:
“Say goodbye to urgency culture. You don’t have to reply to that message now. Your email can wait. You don’t have to live with anxiety because of the weird expectations of others. Let yourself be human instead of forcing yourself to be a machine. Your heart, nervous system, and adrenal glands will thank you.” – Cory Allen
At first glance, it’s easy to read that and feel a sense of relief. You may even feel empowered to buck the system for the day, keeping your email closed. The urgency culture is all too real, and Cory’s words offer a welcome respite. We’re all caught on the hamster wheel of near-constant communication, with the “ding” of our email akin to the allure of a slot machine, training our brains to anticipate it.
Yet, I’d suggest this advice addresses the symptom, not the root problem. Yes, you can stop responding to every email within minutes—and in fact, I wholeheartedly agree that you should. But will that really solve your problem? The emails will still be there when you return, likely with even more piling up.
When the paradigm we’re operating under no longer serves us, examining the underlying thoughts and beliefs that drive our behavior can be most helpful.
- The behavior: “I must respond to emails immediately.”
- The thinking: “If I don’t respond right away, I’ll fall behind, or people will see me as unresponsive.”
- The belief: “My value is tied to my availability and quick responsiveness.”
So, how can we shift our thinking and beliefs to do things differently, embracing a more effective, fulfilling approach? Here are three actions to consider:
1. Redefine responsiveness as quality over speed. Shift your view of responsiveness from an immediate reaction to a commitment to meaningful, high-quality feedback. Communicate to your team that while you prioritize being available, your focus is on providing thoughtful responses that address the issues at hand. By framing responsiveness as a measure of quality, you set the tone for a communication style that’s deliberate and purposeful rather than simply fast.
2. Reframe competency to emphasize intentionality. Instead of associating competence with speed, embrace an internal narrative that values thoughtful engagement. Shift from thinking, “I need to respond quickly to show I’m competent,” to “I respond thoughtfully to add value.” This approach reminds you and others that the intention and depth of your contributions truly build trust and credibility.
3. Model patience to foster a culture of thoughtfulness. Demonstrate the value of patience in your interactions by pausing to ensure your responses are complete and constructive. Show others that taking a moment (or more!) to be intentional leads to clearer, more impactful communication. By modeling this, you encourage a culture where patience and well-considered interactions are seen as strengths, gradually transforming the expectation from immediacy to intentionality.
Breaking from an urgency culture requires more than a behavior change; it requires a mindset shift. By challenging the assumptions behind urgency and setting boundaries that align with your values, you can set a powerful example for others. Let’s prioritize purpose over panic and, in doing so, create a work environment that’s both sustainable and meaningful.
