By Kevin Eikenberry 

 

As a new supervisor, you have a lot going on that can cause you to start feeling overwhelmed. Have you ever noticed that when you feel overwhelmed, things are coming at you very quickly? The sheer volume of work and decisions is what creates the overwhelm. 

When you are in that place, you aren’t very productive, and you are having a bigger negative impact on those around you than you likely realize. That can negatively impact your team.

How can you fight overwhelm?

I can help – even though I can’t take anything off your plate or answer any of those emails.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, in sensory overload, with tasks and issues and questions coming at you from every direction, what you need is perspective.

And perspective comes from a different vantagepoint, from thinking differently. In this case, it comes from thinking long-term, not short term. The overwhelm comes in the short-term view.

You really can’t see the forest when you are among the trees.

You really can get lost on the ground without a map of the terrain.

Feeling overwhelmed and slammed by the work on your plate?

Here’s what to do:

  • Step back.
  • See the bigger picture.
  • And then you should ask yourself the prioritization question: What is the best use of my time now?

Doing these things will give you perspective, but also create certainty and momentum – both of which can help you through your overwhelm.

Want to find out more about how to fight that overwhelming feeling and to prioritize your time? Take a breath, and send us an email or comment below. 

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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