How can we help?
In conversation with a round table of colleagues this morning - executive coaches and organization development consultants - one posed this show-stopper of a question: "No, really: How are you holding up under all the strain these days?"
Whew.
The truth is, everyone in that discussion is feeling some degree of exhaustion, disillusionment and frustration at the seeming inexorable tide of bad news. From political storms to war to the resurgent pandemic - let alone the stresses of work and home life - it's hard not to feel worn down. And all reported their clients are feeling the same. If virtually everyone is feeling the strain, and organizational leaders have the added responsibility to look after the wellbeing of their employees - if for no other reason to ensure the viability of their companies - what then can be done? Or, to put it another way:
How can we help?
领英推荐
Our group brainstormed some ideas, and came up with a few nuggets:
This is by no means complete or definitive list of ideas; rather, a few tips to manage the day-to-day from the fertile minds of some thoughtful peers. What would you add?
With thanks to my colleagues at Mariposa Leadership for their ever-thought-provoking conversations and continual drive to think about how to do the work better.
Leading Talent at Sonoma Bio - developing living therapies to treat disease
2 年The wisdom and positivity of Richard Morse continues even when we don't work together! Thanks Richard:)
Executive Coach (ICF-Certified PCC) | Team Coaching I Leadership Development
2 年Richard Morse, love that the person was brave enough to ask the question is such a provocative and real way. I think many people got used to tough circumstances and feel they just have to push through. We need to help leaders have these conversations.
Good stuff, Richard. To the simplify part, I would add —have a “to don’t” list as partial antidote for a swollen “to-do” list.
To add to the "create clarity", people want to feel a larger sense of purpose, a good answer to "why am I spending 40, 50, 60 hours a week working here? No really... why?" To add to "be compassionate and empathetic", I'd say to create moments of vulnerability and true human connection. People are starving for it, and more open to it in the workplace than ever before. Finally, it's a little out-of-fashion (vs. the days when Jack Welch's "Winning" captured the essence of success"), but I still think, especially as we enter a likely downturn, that people want to work for successful organizations that are doing great work. So, I wouldn't underestimate the power of putting some points on the board, delivering financial results, and getting some wins, whatever that means in your function or industry.