written by Victoria Trabosh
COVID-19 will define a time in the world when no one had control; when no one was sure what to do next. We look to leaders in times of crisis, not remembering or knowing they are experiencing the same feelings and emotions that those who look for answers are feel- ing. In a coach’s work with a leader, there is a significant opportunity to assist the leader in becoming aware of their emotions to such an extent that they can harness their awareness to lead others through COVID-19. In their awareness may not lie the answers for others, but a roadmap for helping others within their organization to find their way, apart yet together.
There has never been a time in business when communication is more critical. My grandson, Matt, who is a first responder, was talking to me about ‘compassion fatigue.’ The idea that first responders must be aware they can begin to feel indifferent about suffering due to the frequency of, or the number of appeals, for help. Communicating remotely with so many unknowns ahead, is taking its toll on all. Help your client realize they are no different in their fatigue, or the fatigue of those around them, which is why their ability to be consistently empathetic and understanding may ebb and flow.
Leadership is not about being perfect. It’s about finding the next flow after the last ebb. Leading well requires extreme self-care now more than ever. How well is your client taking care of themselves? You cannot give away what you do not have. Ensure that in your conversations with your client, they are getting clear on their own needs first, and their empathy will be available for others.
Ask your client to meet more frequently and purposefully with those they lead and solve the future worries and issues together. Because no one has done this before, collaboration within companies will allow for some of the most lasting success going for- ward. Many great ideas from companies are coming from the ‘rank and file’; those who are doing the work and finding new ways to pivot their skills and talents.
Finally, remind your client there is an overwhelming sense of loss for what we all thought the immediate and long-range future would bring. We have been through devastating times in the past. Each failure leads to success when we take the lesson from the loss.
Keep talking with your client; stay connected and know that, apart yet together, we will come through these most troubling of times.
View original article Here
Published in, and reproduced with permission from, choice, the magazine of professional coaching www.choice-online.com
Tags: coaching, COVID-19, Recovery, sticky situation, Triage
