Regardless of individual sentiment, we have been suffering in various ways since the start of the pandemic two years ago. The lingering virus has led to financial uncertainties, emotional frailties, and shifted patterns in personal, shared, and workplace environments. Some may be slight changes, yet each element adds up and can become overwhelming for many.
With all this untold pressure, we are seeing a rise in the level of pettiness: The focus on irrelevant and absurd opinions to the point of giving them far more credit than they deserve. The small things are becoming issues, and with that, there is a rising level of drama. How big an issue is it that someone forgot to put their mask on as they left their desk to go to the copier, or an employee was late because the daycare closed for the day and a caretaker was not immediately available?
While the points you raise may be valid, how far will you go to make your point? For example, we can belabor a matter of insignificance or discuss the issue and remind the individuals of the directive or policy.
Many other elements are of more significant concern for most organizations, including a competitive employment market, constraints on the supply chain, and rising inflation. Nevertheless, perspective cannot hurt.
If you find that on most days, the small, irrelevant items are consuming your attention, taking priority, and creating significant discontent, it may be time to take a self-imposed time out. It may seem important, but does this matter fit your strategic priorities annual goals or significantly impact critical organization outcomes?
If not, pettiness may consume you, and you’ll likely discover that there are more pressing issues to attend to. If not, you should. So where is your angst being directed towards?
