We're here for you

These are unprecedented times. We are reeling as a society. We are all trying to work out what it means for us - what it means for our work, our family, our very way of life. We are slowly coming to terms with the fact that we might have to 'dig in' for the long haul.

The quote from author and presenter, Lee Child, is perhaps helpful when he said, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst". We must plan and think about what this new world order means for us, but not become consumed by it. Hope is a wonderful human quality, however, it can also be the source of a cruel paradox. Hope can sometimes leave us when we need it the most. It is relatively easy to be 'hope-full' when things are going well. It is a gift to be able to remain 'hope-full' when things aren't going well.

“Hope for the best, plan for the worst.”

- Lee Child

The Challenges of 'Being Human'

In times of crisis, our primitive brains are triggered to execute our 'survival routine' of fight, flight or freeze. This is a necessary survival mechanism, of course, however, it can also lead to behaviours and actions that don't always help the collective - or ourselves.

It is interesting how many people have said to me that this crisis 'is bringing out the worst in people'. I choose not to believe this to be true. I see far more good than 'bad', self-protective behaviour. For example, I see people connecting with others in new ways that help us all feel part of a global village. Or the shopper I observed last week giving his only packet of toilet paper to an elderly gentleman who had missed out. It is the simple, human acts, that make all the difference. This has always been the case - perhaps it's just being highlighted more in today's context.

It is interesting how many people have said that this crisis 'is bringing out the worst in people'. I choose not to believe this to be true.

Reaching Out

Sometimes I feel that as coaches and facilitators, what we provide is more intangible than tangible. Yes, while we always strive to deliver business results, what we often deliver is intangible - for example, how a team feels about being in each other's company, or how much they trust one another, or how they engage in real dialogue. This, of course, leads to better results anyway.

So in this context, I want to make a 'no-strings-attached' offer to you. If would like to connect via a phone call or video-conference, for no other reason than to talk, we're here for you. If you would like advice on something you're challenged by - either at work or home - then we're here for you. Even if you don't know how to use video-conferencing, then we're here for that too! My realisation is that the most tangible thing I can to support you is to continue to do some of the intangibles - be a trusted, confidential ear, guide and support.

I want to be clear that this is a genuine offer of support and therefore I don't expect - or want any type of payment. When our collective (or individual) headspace moves beyond the dominant thoughts of survival and we move in a new 'normal', then we can have a different conversation if that is of interest.

Be hope-full. Be kind. And let's all try to be the best humans we can be.

Email me directly at [email protected].