There is so much happening in the world right now that impacts many of us: Wars, domestic conflicts, sociopolitical changes, economic hardships. Closer to home are our personal losses: The death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job. Some losses are immediate and tangible; others are more ambiguous and difficult for others to see and understand.
Many of us are dealing with loss and grief, in ways large and small. Yet at work, the expectation is usually to just keep going and get the job done like we always have.
But grief doesn’t just vanish when we walk through the office door.
It often shows up like this:
– Trouble focusing.
– Feeling irritable or sad, or withdrawing
– Feeling overwhelmed with things that used to be ‘easy’
– Conflicts with teammates
When grief goes unacknowledged, the silence can make people feel even more alone.
There’s a simple way for leaders and colleagues to make a difference: Small acts of care and empathy, reminding people they don’t have to carry it alone – and that they are truly valued for more than their output.
Dynamics Beneath the Surface
These are the kinds of human dynamics we explore in depth in psychodynamic coaching. There’s a lot going on for a leader beneath the surface (e.g., affect, relational patterns, defenses, unconscious expectations).
If you’re interested in developing the capacity to work with them as a leader or coach, explore our fully online and ICF-certified courses that teach psychodynamic techniques that add depth by helping coaches understand what’s happening beneath clients’ words and behaviors, and how to leverage that understanding. Learn More.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn with any questions, inquiries, or to book a free discovery call.
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