Navigating Unexpected Challenges: A Reflection on the Bittersweet Events of November 4th

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Dear Friends, Happy November from Atlanta!

In today's world of constant, unrelenting coverage of the local, regional, and national crises, geopolitical conflicts, wars, and economic realities and challenges, it is understandable if you'd rather be detached from it all, but that is impossible.

I penciled down a few ideas last week, and there was a ton on my mind that it was difficult to settle on a path. I was conflicted, yet I knew I'd get the much-needed clarity on the 4th.

Why the?4th?

I traveled to Virginia on Friday, November 3rd, to be with family members as we celebrated the life of one of my younger cousins, who passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago on October 19th.

His death was such an unexpected and devastating blow to all of us.

A gut-wrenching punch!

My cousin, Ade, had just turned 40 in the spring, and everything was beginning to fall into place, personally and professionally. Furthermore, his growing family was expecting a new addition, their second son, in October— you could feel the optimism, excitement, and joy in the air.

So, his death was the furthest thing on anyone's mind.

Interestingly, the date of his burial, November 4th, is also BJ, my youngest brother's 45th birthday. I'll be honest: I was dreading the day, and it turned out to be as expected, one filled with such mixed feelings and emotions.

Life unpredictability is beyond our control, and we can cope by making space to acknowledge these realities.

With pain and without guilt.

We spent the morning in a place of sorrow and pain with hope for Ade's family, and later in the day, we were present with BJ, celebrating his age with gratitude and joy.

Yet, our smiles didn't mask our pain; it was bittersweet, and we chose to experience both emotions simultaneously.

Tough week!?

This past week, I joined my colleagues to bid farewell to some team members and friends impacted by the layoffs/RIF program.? Life is complex and complicated, and some changes are unexpected and beyond our control sometimes, even when we have done our best or understand the business rationale.

So what?now??

A. Some tips for everyone facing similar circumstances ?—?

1. Permit yourself to process the pain, losses, and new realities you are experiencing. And understand that change takes time, so be patient.
2. You are a limited resource in an unlimited world; be mindful, careful, and intentional about your energy levels and know what drains and replenishes your energy levels.
3. Offer your help and support to those within your circle at a loss or in need.
4. Please be vigilant about how to separate the noise from the signal so you can see what's around you.
5. Stay empathetic, nimble, agile, adaptable, and flexible to embrace, actualize, and maximize the season's possibilities and opportunities.

B. Some tips for anyone impacted by layoffs collated and shared by my Korn Ferry colleague, Jay?Gordon.

1. Take a mental health break; you will experience an array of emotions, from anger, grief, anxiety, and depression.
2. Form YOUR layoff narrative and tell your story. Ensure your story is positive and include what you're looking for in your next opportunity.
3. Connect with your network and let everyone know you are available and what you seek. Add/Enhance your skills by conducting a self-evaluation to identify which areas you want to improve or which new skills you want to develop.
4. When ready, you can launch your search and approach recruiters with a refreshed confidence and sense of who you are and where you want to grow professionally.

Click here to read Jay's LinkedIn post.

Finally, I encourage you to remain strong, for your best days are ahead and not behind you.

Please reach out if I can help or support you during this complex and challenging time.

To your continued success and growth,

'Flo

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Dr. Flo ?is a?#Hybrid ?Leader, strategic advisor, global CEO coach, leadership psychologist, keynote speaker, and writer who advises C-level executives and senior leaders in Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, and academic organizations on becoming better versions of themselves.