Hey there, Digizens! Welcome to the latest update from our corner of the digital world, right here in good ol' Central PA. Hope you're all doin' well and maybe even enjoyin' some of this nicer weather we've been havin'.

Remember that feeling when you finally figured out how to use that new app or software? That sense of accomplishment is somethin' we should all strive for. Don't be afraid to chase those goals, big or small. And if you hit a snag, don't hesitate to reach out to your fellow Digizens. Chances are, someone else has been there and can offer a hand.

Speaking of lendin' a hand, let's keep lookin' out for each other. If you see someone who's new to the digital world or just needs a little guidance, take a minute to help them out. And if you've got some experience under your belt, consider mentorin' someone who's just startin' out. It's a great way to give back to the community and help others grow.

Finally, let's not forget that what we do online can have a real impact on the world around us. By stayin' informed and talkin' about the issues that matter, we can work together to make Digizenburg and Central PA an even better place for everyone.

So keep on sharin' your knowledge, keep those positive vibes flowin', and keep supportin' each other, right here in our Digizenburg community. Until next week, you all take care now!

Digizen Dad Joe

I tried to multitask in Lean Coffee by checking the sports scores. My friend nudged me and said, "Hope you're not time-boxing your attention away from this important discussion!"

Solving the Meeting Multitasking Dilemma

Hey there, Digizens! Let's face it, how many times have you been in a meeting, and you can practically feel the collective urge to check emails, browse the web, or even sneak in a little online shoppin'? We've all been there! That's why we've been thinkin' about how to make our meetings so worthwhile that folks actually want to be present and engaged, ditchin' the multitasking for good. We've got another idea brewin' that blends a little bit of plannin' with a whole lotta team input – and it's a recipe for keepin' those eyeballs on the discussion, not on their phones.

The goal here is to kick off your get-togethers with a proposed set of agenda items, but immediately open the floor to everyone. We wanna know: Are these the top things on your minds? And are we lookin' at 'em in the order that makes the most sense to you right now? When folks feel like their priorities are being addressed, they're way more likely to be mentally present and less tempted to multitask. Bonus, we get everyone interactin', and not just passively attendin' the meeting while secretly doin' other things.

Here's how you can make this work for your team meetings, whether you're gatherin' online or at the corner bakery, and say goodbye to meeting multitasking:

1) Come Prepared with a "Maybe" List (But Be Ready to Toss It!): Before the meeting, put together a list of potential topics. This gives you a starting point, but the key is to present it as just that – a suggestion. When your team knows they have a real say in what gets discussed, they're more invested from the start and less likely to drift off.

2) "Alright Folks, What's Really Cookin'?" (Making it Their Meeting): Right at the start of the meeting, share your proposed list. Then, immediately ask everyone: "Take a gander at this. Are these the things that are most important for us to talk about today? Is there anything missin' that needs to be added to this list right away?" When people get to contribute their own topics, they have a vested interest in the conversation and are less likely to mentally check out.

3) Let's Get Our Priorities Straight (Focusing the Energy): Once we've got all the potential topics out there, it's time to figure out what needs our attention first. Ask the team: "Lookin' at this list, what feels like the most pressin' issue? What needs to be tackled right off the bat?" By collectively deciding what's important, you ensure everyone is on the same page and focused on the most relevant issues, reducing the urge to multitask on less important tasks.

4) Set a Timer for Each Conversation (Keeping it Concise and Engaging): Just like we talked about before, once you've decided on a topic, set a time limit for the discussion. Knowing there's a defined timeframe encourages everyone to stay focused on the current topic and contribute actively, rather than letting their minds wander or turning to other tasks.

5) Check In and Decide: Keep Talkin' or Move On? (Respecting Time and Attention): When the timer's almost up, do a quick check with the team. Have we hashed it out enough? Do we need a few more minutes? Or are we ready to mosey on to the next priority? This keeps the meeting dynamic and ensures that time isn't wasted on topics that have been exhausted, preventing boredom and the temptation to multitask.

6) Keep Track of What Needs Doin' (Clear Outcomes, Clear Focus): Even with a flexible plan, it's still important to capture any action items that come out of the discussions. When everyone knows what needs to be done and who's responsible, it creates a sense of purpose and makes the meeting feel more valuable, reducing the likelihood of multitasking.

By startin' our meetings with a proposed agenda but immediately handin' over the reins to the team to validate and prioritize, we get the best of both worlds – some initial direction with the full engagement of everyone involved. When folks feel heard, their priorities are addressed, and the meeting is focused and efficient, that urge to sneak in some emails or scroll through social media tends to disappear. It's all about startin' smart and makin' sure everyone feels heard and that your time together is well spent – truly present and engaged!

And just a reminder, this approach of comin' prepared but checkin' in with the team aligns perfectly with the spirit of Lean Coffee, which is all about keepin' meetin's flexible, focused, and, most importantly, engaging enough to keep those minds (and fingers!) off other things. It's all about makin' sure your conversations are productive and centered on what's top of mind for the folks in the room (or on the screen!), leading to less multitasking and more meaningful collaboration.

If you're interested in tryin' somethin' like this out before you bring it to your whole team and finally say goodbye to meeting multitasking, join us at the next Tech Council of Central PA's Digital Transformation Virtual Peer Learning Group meetin'. We'd be happy to have ya!

Buzz in the Digizensphere

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