Reaping the Rewards of Giving and Getting

Dear All,

During times of complexity and confusion, there are always stories of growth and transformation. They are great lessons to take into your life.

As a result, this is the focus of today’s post.

Leadership skills during tough times

In other words, it’s about how to be the best leader you can be during frustrating times.

Moreover, I want to respond to many of the emails and calls I received recently. They are from business leaders and emerging leaders.

Above all, they ask for advice on the best ways to handle the intense anxiety and stress prevalent right now.

For instance, many ask about how to be a caring person. Let’s face it, they are afraid of the “Poor Them” or “Poor Me” syndrome.

Further, some are saying “I need to take care of myself, my company, my team, and my family now.”

To clarify, they continue and say, “I can’t be bothered helping others. I don’t think I am selfish, just doing what I need to do to stay afloat. I’m not complaining; I can’t be there for anyone outside of my pod.”

How to give and still have enough for yourself

Others are saying “I want to help but not sure if it will mean anything. I’m being careful about what I give and holding back more than in past years. Is this being like Scrooge or just being sensible?”

In addition, still, others are saying, “What is a new way to bring some peace and stability to the workday ?”

How much does psychological safety cost?

MY RESPONSE:

In the past pre-Covid years my team would do a great off-site program with many companies called “Build and Give.”

Work teams would compete to put together tricycles and decorate them and donate to local charities for children. The kids would light up at the sight of a shiny new bike.  

As a result, at the end of the team building the youngsters would come to pick out their favorite bikes. After that, there would be lots of hugging and laughing (remember hugging? remember laughing?).

Further, the comments would be how rewarding it was to do something that would make others happy.

Moreover, many companies love the idea of this give-to-get process. They often kept this going by doing some community work throughout the year. 

Is there a common denominator for sharing and caring?

Subsequently, this year I want to replace the Build and Give program with something online. I looked for the common denominator underneath the fun and creativity of doing something for children in need.

Here is what I concluded for the next few years. 

What you can give to get is simple, yet not easy. 

Most importantly, ti is to create a climate with everyone you connect to, you offer emotional/ psychological safety.

THIS is the best gift a leader can give right now.

4 steps to help others and stay strong and healthy

Here are some ways to make this time just a bit healthier and happier:

• Watch your words: Communicate carefully. Ask more questions and give room for silence.
• Expect less: That’s correct. This is not a time for being a leader requiring extreme stretch goals. Of course, do your work. Yet, don’t make this a time of gut-clenching overwork.
• Express understanding: Let those at work know they can speak out. Please make sure you factor in their wants and needs into the daily agenda.
•  One step at a time: Keep the long-term vision strong yet keep today’s tasks possible without causing over-the-top stress.

Calmness is basic to psychological safety

There is no price tag you can put on emotional and psychological safety. It comes from within. Moreover, those who master this art of calmness in the midst of uncertainty are the most appreciated leaders. These are the leaders others will follow willingly and without griping.

Give the gift of emotional and psychological safety this year. It will be remembered long after this pandemic is over.

In conclusion, my question to each of you is: How are you staying strong now? Who can you talk with when it feels like the world is closing in? How do you help others feel safe when the whole world feels like Jello?

Let me hear from you.

To sum up, I’m offering a breakthrough strategy session. This is to help you find the best ways to keep a calm environment at work and home. In short, It’s what we all need now more than ever.

Here’s to your success,

Sylvia

P.S. I would like to give as a gift my short e-book on The 5 Steps of Leadership Development. It can put a positive perspective on how to communicate and inspire those around you to give their best.