With everything going on in the world -- from war and the pandemic to daily mass shootings and Roe v Wade -- what is the best way to lead?

13 Comments

1. AmyJuly 7,2022 at 11:09PM UTC

   For me personally it was to become a listener. I did check in meetings that were 15 minutes letting the person talk to me about work and than it would flow to other personal matters. But they knew this was a short meeting. I gave them resources that were not work related *unless they needed leave or something. Emailing these links with no pressure. I found out they were meeting outside of work and I asked if I could be involved, or help out. That took some explaining of why would I want to be a part, but once they realized that I too was being effected and could bring some leadership allyship I was brought into the circle. It was an unbelievable honor and privilege to be part of the conversation without saying much. They were leaning on each other for support and were there when I too needed support. Something I will never forget. You need to show them without making it about you that this is having an effect on you too.

2. Stephanie KellyJuly 15,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

   Yes, this! The point about sharing how it's impacting you (without making you the focus) is so important and I think it makes us all a little more human.

3. AnonymousJuly 7,2022 at 11:29PM UTC

   I feel that creating open communication and transparency helps a lot. My boss recently told our team he was taking Friday's off for the summer to be there for his family who is stressed and suffering from high anxiety given the current state our country is in.

   Others on our team then chimed in on our weekly team meetings with tips that work for them to cope. It has become a closing around the room share for us. One of our lead managers took it upon himself to place a standing breakfast order (company expensed ) on Wednesday too keep us fueled and give us a moment to casually share a meal.

   I've noticed that everyone is a little nicer and a bit more relaxed. Our new admin has established a large bulletin board in our breakroom just entitled "stay well" where everyone can post little tips, articles about signs of burnout, humorous cartoons and local wellness events.

   Guess who was the first to post? Our CEO. He posted an article about the health of a group is the responsibility of every member of that group.

4. Stephanie KellyJuly 15,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

   Wow, what a wonderful company culture! I love how transparency and vulnerability is often contagious... and that's evident in your examples. Your workplace sounds like a truly supportive and inclusive environment where people can lean on each other and be real -- whatever that looks like day to day.

5. JJJuly 8,2022 at 2:52AM UTC

   Having the difficult conversations feels hard, but breaking open the real stuff that people are dealing with relieves anxiety and helps people to feel seen. Skirting our reality is not the answer. Radical candor and vulnerability is the answer.

6. Stephanie KellyJuly 15,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

   Totally agree, JJ. I try to espouse the values of radical candor every day with my team.

7. Nicole DupuisJuly 8,2022 at 11:20AM UTC

   I hear you 100% on this. What a crazy time to try to focus on work sometimes.

   I would lead with empathy, openness, and understanding.

   I would create a safe space for discussion, as a group or individually where people feel comfortable and even encouraged to express their feelings and stresses, while being respectful to others. Maybe laying down some ground fuels before a discussion like this so everyone feels comfortable sharing and feel like they are being heard.

   I think Brené Brown’s 2-word check in before meetings is a good idea. Everyone shares 2 words only that describe how they are feeling in that moment. This can give everyone more a human to human connection in a work setting AND allows for people to note commonalities among the team.

   Lastly, I would meet with people one on one to discuss their goals and dreams on a big picture scale. Things are tough right now so getting people thinking long term will help see some light at the end of the tunnel, while also reenergizing them in their work.

8. Stephanie KellyJuly 15,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

   Love these thoughts, Nicole! The two-word check in is so simple but acknowledges that things may be different for folks, and that's ok. Also, really like the notion of focusing beyond today on the career goals to get people unstuck.

9. Nicole DupuisJuly 16,2022 at 10:00PM UTC

   Amazing. Hope it helps!!

10. AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 6:37PM UTC

    It does not always have to be work/task focused. Have virtual monthly team bonding exercises. Block off 2hrs to half a work day each month just to give the team a chance to unwind and play some bond worthy games to help them learn more about each other. Not to talk about those issues but just to be themselves and have a positive moment with their colleagues. Its great for morale and they will certainly appreciate you for it. It may translate into them being more comfortable opening up to their colleagues at a later time if they need serious help but are too afraid to ask.

11. Stephanie KellyJuly 11,2022 at 12:24AM UTC

    Thank you -- love this idea. Do you have good team building exercises that you've used?

12. AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 8:33PM UTC

    teambuildinghub.com is a great source

13. Rhianna WeilertJuly 15,2022 at 9:37PM UTC

    I think this is a somewhat related webinar topic that I plan to watch. The content I've seen in the past has been great. https://asana.com/resources/leadership-for-the-new-era