“When we are no longer able to change a situation,
we are challenged to change ourselves.”
― Viktor Frankl
This morning I succeeded at maintaining a commitment to myself that I had previously let fall off my schedule. For the first time in many months, I participated in a professional meeting that was not required. It was not associated with a client or board responsibility. It was a workshop offered by a professional group of which I hold membership but have been unable to squeeze into my schedule for the past year.
This morning, after committing to the date and time, I did not let any other responsibility bump this event from my schedule. The topic and the community of thinkers are so essential and relevant to what I need right now —connecting with my colleagues and exploring questions for which none of us have certainty or complete clarity. ‘Two heads are better than one’ is a good mantra for these times.
This morning, the HR Leadership Group in Cleveland, Ohio hosted a facilitation about “Boundaries, Rethinking the Hybrid Workplace and Workforce.” Because every day I field questions, concerns, and needs centered around how to move forward in the current phase of the pandemic, this was exactly the content I needed.
In the beginning — early in 2020 — we rose to the challenge. Then we shifted and have been living with uncertainty and big decisions in a fractious climate, going on two years. We have adapted, settled in, negotiated, resisted, made peace with the situation, focused, dealt with fatigue, and so much more. Everyone has had a different response to the situation. And during the duration of this forever-life-changing event, each of us has moved through phases of strength and weakness, focus and fatigue, engagement, and withdrawal. This evolving situation does not abate, and the stress is constant.
We have had to develop new working habits and skills. And importantly, habits and skills that address our physical, social, mental, and spiritual needs. It is time to ask, ‘What do I need to be my personal best in this new world of work, working relationships, and living?’
This morning’s workshop was a gift. I gave myself the time to listen, to learn and to connect. To pause and receive new ways of thinking and being so that I can personally continue in this marathon of pandemic challenges. It was a gift that will help me help others to make thoughtful decisions about ways to create safe and productive ways to work together.
There is no right or wrong way to approach how to design the way we work, whether remote, in person, or hybrid. It is about asking the right questions and balancing the needs of what is good for the company and good for the individual. It involves exploring and establishing good boundaries.
The workshop began with valuable quotes about boundaries. Kelly Rae Roberts was quoted that boundaries are ‘What’s ok and what’s not ok.’ Can we find ways to work together that support the mission of the organization and the boundary needs of your workforce?
I really appreciated the second quote from Prentis Hemphill who defines boundaries as, “The distance at which I can love both you and me simultaneously.”
I am going to sit with that powerful quote all day.
The pandemic has threatened us in so many ways. In the long term, the trauma of this forever-change has impacted our lives and livelihoods. We will need to continue to question and explore how to balance the organization and individual needs. Where there is balance, understanding, and well-being achieved through commitment, we will find a path. Going forward, work will never be the same.
This morning, I am recommitting to focusing on finding balance to avoid burnout, ensure equity, nurture our organizational cultures, attract, retain, and grow our valuable co-workers. Some of the new solutions need to be innovated, some are simple, and all need our common-sense human touches.
Would you like to engage in conversation about how you will create thoughtful engagement and connection? Do you need an energy pick-me-up?
When you ask yourself what boundaries you need to lean in, love your work and co-workers, and tend to yourself at the same time, what comes to mind?
We are entering the holiday season and darker days of winter. As the season changes, so does our need to calibrate being indoors, find ways to share the joy of special holiday rituals, and deal with the feelings that come with this time of year. And all this while we shift the way we work and connect.
Balance and Boundaries are going to guide my decisions. Gratitude and appreciation for every moment, person, and opportunity to sort things out intentionally will be my way of being.
How are you going to find your way through (with well-being and consideration for those you lead)?
Sending you light and love as you lead.
Leslie
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
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