This is what I am getting to see more of, these days!
As I talk to my clients about how they’re doing at the moment, they keep saying “Of course, it’s early days yet….”
This is after they tell me that they’re enjoying the current situation. People catch themselves saying this as a disclaimer, because they can’t help ‘confessing’ that they are surprised by how much they’re valuing this different way of living and working.
What’s really happening here?
· It is unusual for us to be able to largely choose how we run our day.
· It is amazing to see how much time gets created if you take travel out of the picture.
· It is helpful to understand the real power of the technology available to us.
· It is rare for us to get to be with our families as much as we are right now.
As spring begins to take hold, I notice a sense of optimism, of gratitude, of trusting ourselves even though we don’t know how long or what the outcomes are going to be, and leaders could celebrate the spirit, pragmatism and resilience in people.
The truth is though that this enthusiasm is easier to feel when we have choices. Whether it be choice about the room at home from which we choose to work, or the choice to spend part of the day in our outside space.
But choice isn’t the same for everyone, and leaders can show real compassion and care by genuinely trying to imagine and checking in how this new world looks for all of their people, not just those at the top, with whom they spend most of their time.
I am reminded of the wisdom in Edgar Schein’s brilliant book, ‘Humble Inquiry’ – of course, the clue is in the title!
“Humble Inquiry is the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not already know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person.”
As with many things in this crisis, let’s not miss the opportunity – use these unusual times to get closer to our people by showing genuine interest and care in their specific situation, what that means for them and what help and support they may need.
Look after yourselves,
With love,
Ruth x
Results-Driven Business Development Leader | Expert in Sales & Revenue Growth, Strategic Negotiations, and Client Relationship Management | Key Account Management.
4 年Ruth, thank you for sharing....I do hope you and your family are healthy and safe.
Visiting Professor at University of Oxford: Dept.Earth Sciences
4 年Ruth, It is an opportunity...... You might enjoy this: "And people stayed at home And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises And made art and played And learned new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Soemone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed And in the absence of people who Lived in ignorant ways Dangereous, meaningless, and heartless The earth also began to heal and when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earh Just as they were healed" Written during a cholera epidemic in 1869 and widely re-circulated during the Spamish influenze epidemic in 1919 This used to happen every lifetime, now, exceptionally, it's been a hundred years. Time- always the geological context !! Take Care!! Bruce
Thanks Ruth, just what I needed today. ??????
Driving Innovation and Transformation in the Cycling World
4 年Insightful and thoughtful as ever, Ruth. You are correct about opportunity. Some, perhaps the majority see doom and gloom others can see the current situation as a positive vehicle for change. The world will be different but it will continue. Keep smiling, keep safe x
Night Duty Manager at The Golden Lion St Ives Cambs
4 年Common sense and leadership Ruth. How I miss this from you on your early morning runs good to see your involved in Doggy day care now lol best regards David.