Organizational leaders need to recognize that every individual in your organization may be facing some form of suffering, whether it’s related to their personal lives or the current political climate. Even if they know intellectually that others are suffering, people feel alone in their struggles.
That image of a pit comes up frequently in creative expressions of human struggle:
- Portia Nelson’s poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters.
- This episode of South Park, in which Tweak was totally freaking out about North Korea
- Leo’s West Wing story (told to Josh) about a guy falling in a hole.
- Brené Brown on empathy.
- The Princess Bride’s Pit of Despair.
- A curving graph known as The Emotional Cycle of Change.
- Elizabeth Kubler Ross’s roller coaster of change
Even a positive change such as a new technology or new leadership often brings with it negative emotional experiences such as shock, mourning, guilt, loss, and detachment.
Your team members may therefore need your leadership in getting out of that hole and reconnecting with others. Empathy — understanding and acknowledging the feelings of others without judgement, and tapping into one’s own experiences to offer support — is key to helping individuals and teams navigate difficult emotions and find a path forward.
As a leader, you need to recognize when individuals or teams are struggling and make an effort to understand their perspective. Spend time by their side, listening to their concerns and acknowledging their feelings. Resist the temptation to offer quick solutions or advice and instead, respond with “I’ve felt like that. I get it,” or simply, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
If you find yourself or your team in the hole, remember that these are common experiences. Others have been in this position before and have found a way out. And, as a leader, you have the opportunity to help your people navigate their struggles by offering empathy and understanding. If you need additional support, consider reaching out for leadership team coaching to learn more about how to effectively lead and support your team through difficult times.
You can start a no-risk conversation with me if you’re interested in exploring how coaching might support you in achieving your goals. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
