This week we are continuing with our theme Creating Mindful Moments. December is the perfect month to be doing this because not only is it a time when we are all busy at the office but we are also gearing up for a holiday season. As joyful as it is and as much as it is a time of beautiful connections, it can also be very stressful. This is why we must be more mindful than ever before.
The reality is that even though you might be excited about the holiday season, there may be someone on your team who isn’t. Maybe they, or someone they care about, are dealing with illness. They could be struggling financially. So many people are walking around with wounded hearts. Some members of your team may be carrying around unresolved grief or they could be in the the throws of new grief.
It is important to remember that grief doesn’t have a timeline. A loss from five years ago can still hurt just as much now as it did at the time. The reality is that if a heart is heavy it needs to be tended to. Here are some strategies that I think would be helpful for you as a leader:
Role model the importance of doing an emotional check-in: Research has shown that when leaders are vulnerable with their team by sharing things like the need to go for a walk to decompress after a difficult conversation they are demonstrating self-regulation. Your team needs to see you as a human first and as a leader second. You need to ask yourself “Am I walking my talk?” If the answer is no then you need to make some adjustments.
Create opportunities for your team to check in: For some people, the holidays are a difficult time for some people. As a leader, you need to figure out how to make space for that. Maybe you need just a little bit more one-on-one time with people. You will be amazed at the great things that will happen if you give yourself one day a month to “walk the floor” and do some check-ins with your team. They will show you with their body language how they are really doing.
Pay attention to facial expressions and body language: People will show you a lot with their body language. If you notice that one of your colleagues is showing signs of distress it is important to check in and follow up with them.
Click the video link below for an awesome example of what your organization can do to encourage folks to contribute to creating a zen workplace. Getting your team onboard and helping will make a huge difference and will take the pressure off you as a leader to always take the lead. An engaged and invested team is happier and more productive so this activity is a definite win-win for your organization as a whole.
Hopefully, you have found this helpful and you will share it with your team.
Wishing you the very best and most mindful week ahead.
And remember…You are a POWERHOUSE.
Cate
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