Futzing v. Time-wasting

by Jen (January 15, 2008)

I never thought of it this way before, but some of the time we all spend “wasting time” – emailing, socializing (on and offline), chatting on the phone when we’re supposed to be calling about business, etc. – is not really a waste of time. HorsePigCow calls it “futzing” and points out that networking across various groups gives you a better sense of various viewpoints. You can end up understanding the goals of several different groups and, if you’re smart, find a way to get credit/payment for helping them work out a win-win situation. Or you can connect people to other helpful people they never would’ve met without you.

In short, you can see things other people can’t, and that can bring you good stuff in your job or in your life.

So when is it just “time-wasting”? I’d say it’s when you’re not dealing with a diverse group. When you’re preaching to the choir, or having Conversation No. 4,782 about how the CEO Just Doesn’t Get It. It’s relaxing to talk to people you have a lot in common with and we should all do it when we need a break, but when you’re looking to improve your situation or your mind or your spirit, you need to seek out people who are different from you in some way, and find out what they have that maybe you need, or what you have that maybe they need.

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