The Positive Energy Workplace

For some, right now is a moment to pause, take a breath, and intentionally consider what they want to put back into their life to be "busy" with. For others, right now is a moment of sheer overwhelm and it feels impossible to even get a moment of peace to themselves, let alone think about how busy they are. For some, anxiety, fear, overwhelm, and helplessness are at an all-time high. For some, gratitude and hope for the gifts of learning, unrest, change, and possibility are at an inspiring level. For some, it's a combination of all of the above -- a little bit or a lot of each. Or something entirely different. This moment is highly personal to each of us; what we're going through, how we're navigating it, what we're learning (and unlearning), what we're challenged by, and how we're loving and leading through it. 

One of the greatest things we can do right now for those we love and lead is to be able to hold and command our space, bring a solid and loving presence to our lives, and take care of ourselves so we can show up as our best and create a safe and trustworthy space for them. It starts with us.

Each of us individually create an energetic field for ourselves -- this is contagious (ie. Contagious You) -- and, at the same time, we create an energetic field as a culture -- which is also contagious (ie. Contagious Culture).

I met with a group of executives yesterday about what’s happening in their organizations as they navigate leadership, culture, and COVID-19. This morning I got a note about a CEO sending out a “panicked deck” before his meeting with investors. Later today I’m meeting with an executive who needs to get his head and heart clear before he communicates the next steps of the organization and asks his leadership team to step in and lead with him, not by force but by invitation....

Digging into work yesterday I received a text from a client updating me on their status and letting me know that she, her team, and their healthcare organization (a hospital right on the frontlines in a highly affected area) were doing okay. I read the text and burst into tears. Gratitude and relief. 

My mom called me last night to check in. She's sheltering in home away from her kids and grand babies. My sister had brought her dinner and a conversation with grand babies "through her window." Homesickness, heartache, amusement, delight.

I've received several notes from clients and colleagues asking me what I think and feel about all that's going on. After all, my two biggest books talk about CONTAGIOUS YOU and CONTAGIOUS CULTURE, and this whole body of work is about SHOWING UP for ourselves and each other. A most recent note really pulled at my heart, I gave it my best response in this moment and during this time. My team and I thought it might be useful to others. It's a long post, so digest as you wish. And as always, take, toss, or tweak as it serves. Love to you always. Stay safe.