Many of you are in organizations that have been affected by the Big Reset or Big Resignation or whatever new name we are using. I think there are many different angles to what is going on.  

The list is long as I think about the different things affecting organizations I am familiar with. People are happy to be on the other side of COVID (knock on wood 10 times). They are also tired. The staff shortages are causing more work for the staff that has chosen to stay. Onboarding new staff will put a strain on existing staff. New roles and new departments are happening all around us. 

Change is not the norm. 

Change is the air we breathe. 

It is new every day. 

It is not for the faint of heart.

People are wondering how we find healthy culture again. How do we stay moored to who we are, what we value, and maybe have fun? The times are ripe for mistrust, division, and other complex and challenging hurdles.

Did I say people are tired? Tired of not being appreciated. Tired of not being seen. Tired of so many other things. People are just tired.

I have been asking myself how a leader lifts their team in a time like this? I am not a magician or leader of note. 

I am concerned about my team. How can I protect my team members and guide them and be present? How can I lift the spirits of those I work with and their coworkers? Can I start a ripple effect of caring and concern?   

Tiredness is not only a symptom. It is deadly if undiagnosed and untreated. Tired is the front, side, and back door for employees that have often carried their organizations. Today they find themselves looking for that promised reset. The pain of staying is so much more than the pain of leaving. 

But many are staying. 

They love the people they serve. 

They love the people they work with. 

They may not love the times we live in.  

But they have found a way through the pain.

I would submit there are four things we can do to help others. These are not exhaustive or original. They are four things I think about when I think of my team, my organization, and the people we serve together.

L - ean into the rawness of people’s stories.

People are having a difficult time at work and at home. So many of my teammates have families that are under duress. We are hurting. Lean into the rawness.

I - invite others to do the same.

Talk to people you trust and challenge them to start a ripple effect of care and concern.

F - ind a way forward together.

‍We don’t have to do this alone. If we choose to stay, we do have to join with others. Together we are better. 

T - ake no credit.

This is not a time to take the credit. Blame maybe. Being there for others. We must find solutions to these challenging problems. We must take time to care enough to see the pain and joy of others.

As a Christian, I often think that Jesus has done these four things for me.

He has leaned into my raw story. 

He has challenged me to see the pain and triumph of others. 

He has promised me rest if I learn from Him and let Him do the heavy lifting. 

I get to do life together with Him.

Finally, He chooses not to take credit but gives all His energy to tell me about my Father in Heaven who sent His Son to die on a cross, lifted high, and crucified. That I might have eternal life with all those who believe in Him. 

If my Father would send Jesus to live in the raw as a human and invite others to join Him as he shared His Father and changed the world. Maybe I can listen to others a little longer, share the good news of Jesus Christ and be there with a smile.

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

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