Both, And.
It feels like a week of both/and. . . where many of us are holding two opposing energies at once.
On my end, a week spent with inspiring leaders from around the state, including an alumni gathering with leaders who have attended programs dating back to 2018 (very joyful).
Dear friends who launched new podcasts, are in Disney World, are celebrating milestone birthdays, are honoring anniversaries, and celebrating kiddos' birthdays.
Meanwhile, a global backdrop filled with heartache, suffering, tragedy, and fear.
Friends and colleagues unexpectedly finding themselves in the middle of a war zone in Isreal, while they have friends and loved ones of their own who have gone missing.
Confusion about how we can possibly be so cruel to each other as human beings.
It's a lot.
Back to basics
During complex and challenging times, it can be helpful to come back to the basics. These could include:
Taking care of ourselves and filling our cups
Limiting news and media consumption to specific times per day
If we are reading/listening/watching news and media –considering independent, investigative, high quality and high integrity sources of journalism
Checking in with our team members and friends
Incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices –perhaps, a yellow light meditation
Ideas for the Workplace
As leaders, managers, and facilitators, here are a few tactical ideas include:
Adding a two-word check-in at the beginning of meetings (two words to describe how we're doing in the moment)
Starting meetings and 1:1s by asking, “how are you doing?” before diving into tasks, projects, and timelines.
Holding team member 1:1s (ideally, at least monthly for a minimum of 30 minutes), where we connect with our team members as human beings, in addition to checking in on the work at hand
Offering a few minutes to “clear” at the beginning of meetings –either silently, or as a group
Taking a moment at the beginning or end of meetings to acknowledge bright spots–things that are going well.
These are a few ideas.
Is there anything else that you're finding supportive at this time?
If so, feel free to drop a comment and let me know. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.
Questions to Ponder
Who do I want to check in with this week?
What might be one small way to incorporate a bit more connection into a conversation or meeting that I'm having today?
What am I doing to fill my own cup?
What is one tiny act of kindness that I could do, sometime today?
