Thursday, April 3, 2025

How to Cope with Digital Overwhelm without Quitting Your Job: Craig Mattson

How to stay sane in a noisy world Instead of digital minimalism consider this alternative Episode 251 (Craig is based in Grand Rapids Michigan) ----- In this conversation with Craig Mattson we explore: • Why acknowledging digital overwhelm is the first step toward healthier communication. • The limitations of digital minimalism and the need for digital flexibility. • Six communication modes professionals rely on to cope with digital stress. • The importance of understanding your default communication style. • How to avoid contributing to others’ communication overload. • Simple techniques to reset a failed conversation. • Why switching between communication modes helps maintain humanity in digital spaces. • The power of treating all communication as a gift — even criticism. ----- About our guest Craig Mattson: Craig is the author of "Digital Overwhelm". He writes, researches and teaches at Calvin University. You can buy his book, Digital Overwhelm here. (https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Overwhelm-Mid-Career-Guide-Coping/dp/1666772216/?maas=maas_adg_29BD90B937DDF85A6B1798BAD061867E_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas) Learn more about his programs and register for his newsletter here  https://www.themodeswitch.com/ https://www.digitaloverwhelm.com/ ----- Key Learning Points from this Interview 1. Acknowledge the Overwhelm • Being overwhelmed by digital inputs is normal; the first step is admitting it. 2. Digital Flexibility vs. Digital Minimalism • Minimalism helps, but flexibility is key to adapting and connecting with others. 3. Avoid Contributing to Others' Overwhelm • Be mindful of how your communication style might stress others. 4. Understand Your Default Communication Mode • Everyone has a go-to style (e.g., long emails, verbal advocacy) — know yours and its limitations. 5. Adapt Your Style to the Listener’s Needs • Match your message delivery to where the audience is emotionally and mentally. 6. Communication as a Social Issue • Digital overload isn’t just individual; it’s a workplace-wide challenge that requires collective responses. 7. Mode Switching as a Skill • Learn to shift between styles: emailing, saying, signaling, advocating, meaning, and fixing. 8. Reflect on Communication Experiences • Journaling or debriefing helps improve future interactions. 9. Communication as a Gift • Even criticism can be seen as a gift — shifting mindset opens deeper dialogue. 10. Be Willing to Start Again • When conversations derail, it’s okay to pause and restart with clearer intent. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking...