When someone allows you to bear witness to their inner world, you can’t help but feel deeply honoured to be trusted with the privilege.
As a psychologist, I have had, and continue to have, a very privileged career. I don’t know how other executive coaches work, but being endorsed as both an organisational and counselling psychologist, I suspect I get let in just that little bit more.
The emotional weight of this work can be high. You bear witness, you hold space, and at rare times, you provide a lifeline. You never get used to that. If you do, you need a career change.
This week has been one of those weeks. I have had four emergency sessions with different senior executives. It’s highly unusual, just like the times. These people are extraordinarily capable. But they’re people first. We all have our limits.
My guess is that it’s because the Government restrictions are starting to ease. People are feeling extra unsettled. Re-entry is becoming real and nobody knows how that’s going to work just yet. We’re all building the plane as we fly it.
The additional stress has seen the rise of the white ant in some workplaces. Or shorter fuses, with COVID-19 work… plus business as usual… plus working from home. Along with a whole range of positives. It’s not all negative. Far from it.
Still, the mental health toll we’ve been hearing about? It’s starting already.
So, I’m thinking of you.
As a leader, if you’re any good at leading (and my bet is that anyone reading this is), you’ll find yourself bearing witness too, from time to time. The difference is that, for you, it’s part of the package. For me, it is the package.
I’m here if you or your organisation need support in that department. I’m trained for this, not that I thought I’d be bringing these skills to the fore so much again. It’s worth knowing how to look after you as you look after them. I’ve got programs and personalised services that can help. Click here to email me if you do.
And as a reminder, the popular Leading Through the COVID-19 Crisis free online program I put together is designed to help you safeguard mental health as you lead. If you haven’t already, you can get it here.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
