(Our THC team call and the writing of this newsletter were the day before the passing of the Queen. We think these themes are still relevant with that in mind.)
Hi all!
Normally, at this time of year, I write a newsletter about the excitement of La Rentrée (the French term for the excitement and celebration around the return to school). Usually, for me, this is a time of new starts and possibilities with my historical return to school in September burned brightly in my brain.
But this year feels hard. It feels like the summer was a sunny bubble and now we have to dig in for an insecure and, possibly, cold winter. Layered onto the macro issues, at THC we also have colleagues and friends dealing with some difficult personal circumstances.
We used our first team call of the term to check in, and to ask how we can help each other as a team as well as how we can support our clients. We saw in real-time the power of taking time and connection, as the team moved from despair to hope. Everyone entered that meeting feeling like it was one thing they didn't have time for. Everyone left feeling like it was the meeting they didn't know they needed. I also know from my ten years of doing this work that what's going on here at THC is also what's going on in all organisations.
So today I just want to share with you a summary of that meeting:
What are we all struggling with at the moment?
(This is what will be going on in your organisation too)
- Financial uncertainty
- Incompetent politicians
- Being the sandwich (or Panini!) generation: i.e. having caring responsibilities for both the younger and older generation
- Burning anxiety / worry
- Grief and loss
- How to prioritise in our lives
- Big transitions
- Balance
- Health issues (mental and physical, new and long term)
- Burnout
How do we want to be with each other at team THC?
(We have made these commitments to each other - feel free to take them too!)
- We want to be real and talk openly about what is happening
- Take the time to listen, even when we're busy
- Be compassionate and empathetic
- Let go of perfectionism; for ourselves and each other
- Take the time for connection and communication
- Not assuming that people don't want to do things - work can be their safe / happy place
- Put in place a structured way of supporting each other
- Maximise the potential and expertise of the team in providing this help: what do we have here already?
- More regular check-ins
- Navigate the paradox of a) the need to slow down, connect and provide support with b) the need to maintain the success and longevity of the business, and the perceived time investment required for that
- Hold the space for each other
How can we support our clients?
Here are some ways we can help your teams. Get in touch for more information.
Compassionate Conversation Circles
We loved delivering Courageous Conversation Circles in 21/22 and even did a podcast relating to it. In our current climate, we want to host some Compassionate Conversation Circles, where the focus switches from learning through congruence, to feeling supported and part of a community through shared compassion.
Panini Manager Training
Provide effective training and support for 'panini middle managers' facing the pressures from their seniors and shielding their direct reports. This would focus on boundaries, self-care and communication
Coaching Skills
The coaching skills in the team mean we are well-placed to hold the space for conversation and support each other with empathy. We can ensure these skills are more widespread in organisations.
Support Package
During Covid we offered a support package to our clients. We delivered fortnightly webinars on topics such as "Avoiding Burnout", "Compassionate Leadership" and "Understanding Anxiety", which were accompanied by spot 1:1 30 min coaching sessions for individuals to explore the topic further if they wanted to. As we enter a similar phase, the same approach is appropriate.
Active Hope
Active hope is about finding, and offering, our best response when facing situations in our world. It is something we do rather than something we have. We facilitate large Active Hope workshops and are doing one for our own team asap. We'll let you know the outcome!
That's all for now. We will be back in touch soon with news of what's coming up over the next few months.
Take care,
Rox x