The impact of app overload at work and strategies to manage communication tools effectively.

Unpack the complexities of digital communication in the workplace with Jason and Amy  on this episode of the Radical Candor Podcast. They dissect the overwhelming world of app overload, highlighting how the excessive use of communication tools diminishes productivity and increases stress. Listen as they provide historical insights, discuss the enduring necessity of email, and offer actionable strategies for setting effective communication norms to streamline workflows and enhance team dynamics.

Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.

Episode Links:

• The State of Workplace Communication 2024 | Forbes Business Advisor
• App Fatigue: How Too Many Apps Are Hurting Productivity | LinkedIn
• Too Many Collaboration Apps Are Bogging Employees Down | Reworked
• How Much Time and Energy Do We Waste Toggling Between Applications? | HBR
• Think Time: 6 Ways To Leverage This Untapped Tool | Radical Candor
• Business Casualty | TikTok
• The New Most Dreaded Word at Work: ‘Hey’ | WSJ

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Jason Rosoff and Amy Sandler introduce the episode and the topic of app overload at work.

(00:02:16) The History of Email and Communication Tools
The history of email, its evolution since the 1980s, and how it has influenced workplace communication.

(00:05:01) The Shift in Administrative Roles
How the rise of email reduced the need for administrative assistants and changed project and work management practices.

(00:07:21) The Rise of Chat Tools
From early chat tools like Skype and AOL Messenger to modern tools like Slack, and their role in workplace communication.

(00:09:55) Integrating Tools at Radical Candor
How Radical Candor integrates various communication tools and the norms established to manage them effectively.

(0013:12) The Importance of Setting Communication Norms
Establishing clear norms for email and Slack use to ensure effective and less stressful communication.

(00:15:14) Personal Preferences vs. Team Norms
Balancing individual communication preferences with team-wide norms and the importance of having clear guidelines.

(00:18:18) Establishing Clear Guidelines
Advice for teams to establish clear communication guidelines and norms to reduce app overload.

(00:30:21) Managing Notifications
The importance of managing and turning off notifications to maintain focus and productivity during work hours.

(00:35:11) Handling External Communication
Strategies for managing communication with clients and external partners while maintaining internal communication norms.

(00:38:29) Radical Candor Tips
Practical tips to start applying Radical Candor in managing communication tools and reducing app overload. 

(00:41:21) Conclusion