There’s a feeling of helplessness when we watch videos of Russia fighter jets and tanks assaulting a peaceful sovereign nation. There is an underlying terror of what would happen if the United States and other countries are sucked into this war or Putin becomes further unhinged and goes nuclear. It’s a horrific thought we want to block out of our minds.
People send their thoughts and prayers, but we can’t control what is happening in Ukraine. Some may supply money and armaments. Others make us aware of what is happening to stay informed and vigilant. For now, maybe one of the things we can do is focus on what we can do. Watching all of this misery, we could try to work on making the world a little bit better and happier. It could start small.
Step Up And Lead
There is a loneliness epidemic that’s been exacerbated by the two-year pandemic. Mental health issues, depression, alcohol and drug consumption are off the charts. The media, in an effort to boost ratings, have ginned up fear, anger and hate. This has caused everyone to feel agitated, angry and hostile.
Let’s start small. We spend most of our waking hours working. Companies are well-equipped to help people. This is the time for management to step up and lead. This means taking care of, reaching out to, listening and helping employees get through this traumatic time period.
Reach Out To See How They Are Feeling
It is not an everyday occurrence when the threat of World War III looms over the globe. It’s hard to process the enormity of what may happen next. For many people, it’s hard to concentrate and do their work. Engaged in mundane tasks, it feels unnecessary and odd, given the current events. Working on an excel spreadsheet or attending a meeting seems inconsequential and pointless. Yet, the world keeps moving forward.
Leadership should not assume everyone is fine. They need to inquire how their staff is holding up. Ask them what, if anything, they need. After actively listening to their wants, implement them swiftly, so they know that the company cares.
A Call To Action
It’s not often when the overwhelming majority of people are in agreement over a cause. Inquire if your staff wants to do something positive for the Ukrainians. There could be fundraising activities, online shows of support, sending food and clothing and offering sanctuary outside of the Ukraine.
Compassion And Love
It’s no secret that Americans have been at each other’s throats for the last few years. Maybe this tragedy could be a turning point to unite us together. It could start with showing a little compassion toward people who think differently than you. Leadership could start online meetups for workers to discuss how they are feeling, and what positive actions can be taken to make even a small measure of difference.
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan People, said about leadership in trying times, “Buddhist tradition describes three styles of compassionate leadership: the trailblazer, who leads from the front, takes risks and sets an example; the ferryman, who accompanies those in his care and shapes the ups and downs of the crossing; and the shepherd, who sees every one of his flock into safety before himself.” The Dalai Lama added, “Three styles, three approaches, but what they have in common is an all-encompassing concern for the welfare of those they lead.”
Source: Forbes
