Monday, December 6, 2021

Don't be so surprised...


Seems like everybody is surprised that it’s December already: the end of this crazy year. After all we’ve been through, you’d think most people would be happy this year was ending. Like last year. But uncertainty remains and continues to hang heavy in the air. If you’re running a business, or managing people, you should take some pride in the fact that you made it through this year of lingering unknowns and surprises when, on the surface, things appear somewhat normal, they’re still not. People seem to be unhappy – maybe not about anything specific, but in general there’s an unease because we’re not yet back to normal. Because people just don’t like uncertainty. So, they’re looking around to see if the grass might be greener somewhere else and that’s part of what’s driving the Great Resignation. But despite these unknowns, your employees know you and you know them… and in that is the basis for the conversation you should be having with them about staying and being proud of what they have. Be open, honest, empathetic, and flexible. Let them know you care, ask them what else they want to, and listen to their concerns. Then do what you can, tell them when you can’t, and let them know you are there with and care about them. That’s the best way to help them get ready for and deal with the uncertainties of this December today.

 

Sarah Kay (born 1988): American poet and founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E

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