National tragedies — mass shootings, hurricanes, suicide bombers — affect us all. A leader sets the emotional tone and the example both in good times and, perhaps more important, in bad. As a manager, how do you help people deal with their feelings during times of crisis?
- Don’t repress your emotions. Research shows that doing so is not good for you physically or mentally. And while we may want to leave feelings of sadness, pain, confusion, and anger at the office door, we simply can’t. It’s OK to talk about feelings at work, especially in tough times.
- Create psychological safety. Ask people how they are doing and what they think about what happened. Encourage them to talk about what’s on their minds.
- Resolve to do good. Horrific acts can undermine our sense of good. Use the event as a springboard for your team to do something positive in your organization or your community.
Adapted from "Being a Good Boss in Dark Times," by Jennifer Porter
