A Thanksgiving Reflection on Leadership and Gratitude
My heart just sank.
I just got off a call with a consultant who told me that employees are burnt out, but the people at the top don't buy into that, and therefore, do nothing to prevent it via coaching or training.
It's not the first time I have heard this on a call. I hear it often.
What I Keep Hearing From Companies
There are three types of companies:
Ones who just do not care or who avoid employee recognition and training
Those who do a little, just to check it off a list and look good
Those who actually invest in their employees precisely because they recognize them
I only work with the last group.
You'd think from a business perspective that I'd also spend time on the first two, but I am just not interested in superficial support. I am "uncannily real" as someone once told me, and so anything that is less than that kind of authenticity gives me the heebie jeebies.
Luckily, though, there are plenty of companies in that third category.
Why I Choose the Leaders I Choose
The ones that say, hey, we've had layoffs this year, so we are going to invest more in our staff because of that.
The ones that say, hey, we know it's impossible to disconnect personal struggles from how one shows up at work.
The ones that say, hey, burnout is actually really low here because we have lots of systems in place to support our employees, so yes, we'd love to talk to you.
I've talked to them all. These examples are from this week. They exist, they're the outliers, and they're probably the places that people like working the best.
Gratitude for the Leaders Who Actually Show Up
So in the spirit of gratitude, I would say I am so grateful to have been having such wonderful conversations with CEOs who have no problem getting on a Zoom with a stranger and sharing what's going on.
I'm grateful for HR Directors who take time to truly think about ways they can support their employees, even if they're burning out too.
And most of all, I am grateful to be fully present for whoever is on the screen or in a room in front of me, knowing full well that they are trusting me with a piece of their real vulnerability.
What I’m Most Grateful For This Season
And I am grateful to have the time to dedicate to developing my own self so that I can be there for others. That is part of the work for me. The more I regulate my own stress with whatever examples come up in my life to test me, the better that will be for my clients.
I am thankful for LinkedIn, this weird social-media-meets-sales-meets-celebrations-meets-flexing-meets-insights all in one place. While I didn't touch it for the last 12 years, it's now my favorite place to meet new and amazing people.
Wow, I keep trying to stop writing this post but the words keep flowing because I am that grateful for so many things. But I will stop here.
Wishing you all a lovely holiday, and hopefully if nothing else, you take away knowing I am thankful for all of you.
Ok, my heart rose again.
If your team is thinking more intentionally about employee support, I’m always open to conversation.
Reach out through my contact page.
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