Are You Hopeful?
This might be the hardest H word in the formula. So many people struggle with anxiety and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. I know when a company is going through a transition and there are rumors of layoffs, fear spreads rapidly. When the world gets shut down with no finish line in sight, people become overwhelmed and afraid.
This last year has been filled with the unknown and it has allowed more stress into our lives than calm, which can take its toll on a hopeful attitude. When we are lost in the downward spiral of hopelessness, communication is crucial to keeping hope alive.
Five key things to help keep people in a mindset of hopefulness include:
- Quit watching the news and listening to negative or fear based messages.
- Share clear and complete communication with your staff, even if there might be some disappointing news included. People can deal with bad news better than the unknown. Open and clear communication is key.
- As a team, start your meetings with what is working. Mention your gratitude, any recent successes, and what you are continuing to build upon.
- Do a charity activity together as a team quarterly. There are many wonderful charities to support, so take your staff to work with Habitat for Humanity, deliver meals, or serve at a soup kitchen.
- Recognize and appreciate your staff and each other. When was the last time you thanked your boss for your check, or left a sweet treat randomly on a co-worker’s desk? A little appreciation goes a long way.
The sunrise is a constant reminder of the new day on the horizon. Even though yesterday, and much of last year, may have felt bleak, allow the sunrise to inspire hope that today will be better.
This week, I encourage you to wake up early and watch the sun rise. While you do, think about the keys to a hopefulness mindset mentioned above and figure out how you can implement at least one of them into your workplace.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Is your environment hopeful?
Is your staff aware and excited for what is coming next?
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