First, From the Heart

Let’s get real. These are tough times. Many of us have difficulty even acknowledging the depth of suffering – it’s too painful. Many of us have nowhere to share the challenging emotions that arise when we finally face the reality with eyes wide open. Safe spaces are few and far between. And in the midst of so much hardship, are we allowed to feel joy without guilt or shame?

Leaders can be of invaluable support to their teams by sharing their own positive and negative emotions, showing vulnerability, and creating environments of safety. Modeling transparency and signaling that the full range of human response is welcome can immediately shift the culture of your organization. Welcome suffering, welcome joy, along with fear, anxiety, loneliness, belonging, connection, and any other feelings that arise. Now is the time we need each other to be simply human and compassionate.