One-On-One: Work to Stay Connected

By Dorie L. Griggs
(Southern Newspaper Publishers Association eBulletin
January 19, 2004

The nature of the newspaper business means your life is filled with deadlines. Add to that the continual influx of new technology and techniques, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed, out of date and frustrated.

Rather than beating yourself up realize that you are not alone. Chances are most of your co-workers are experiencing the same problems.

It's easy to get caught up in the "Doing" of work. I would suggest that you take some time in your day to really "Be" with the people at work.

Most newspapers offer a time to review the paper. Go to the meetings when possible, it will help you learn about the paper and your role in the community. Youâll connect with people you may not work with on a regular basis.

Take time to have lunch with someone who works with you but you don't usually have time to talk to.

Whenever possible, go outside the building for lunch. A change of environment during the day is like a mini vacation.

With the increased reliance on technology, it is easy to feel isolated. Processes that used to rely on human interaction are replaced by computer technology.

If your workplace doesn't offer opportunities for dialogue among the staff, develop your own group of friends in the industry. Spending more time with the people you work with outside of the newsroom can build the support system you need to deal with the constantly changing work environment.

None of these suggestions will change to fact that the industry is fast paced and ever changing. These suggestions, however, may help you deal with the changes and feel more competent in your job.

Dorie L. Griggs, communications manager for Faith And The City, holds a Master of Divinity degree and is in the ordination process of the United Church of Christ. She writes the One-On-One column for the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association as part of her ministry to journalists, which currently operates under the auspices of Faith And The City. This column first appeared in the eBulletin of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association. The column is reprinted here with permission. Ms. Griggs may be reached at dgriggs@faithandthecity.org.