Finding Inspiration as an HR Leader
Don’t worry, they look like they’re six feet apart
In these days I am reminded on a regular basis of the challenge we’re facing and the mountain we are all being asked (or expected) to climb. Whether we’ve been practicing the right skills or not seems to be a bit of a pointless question at this exact moment as the time is now. Right now, it’s go time. But what does that even mean?
Lifting up our employees
As the person charged with Human Resources for our “under 25 employees” small company, I’ve asked more self-reflective questions than any person might if not for living smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic. I’ve been inspired by all the heroic first responders. I’ve wondered what to start, stop and do more of. I’ve leaned on the many agencies churning out updated work/job-related information relating to this current crisis. Agencies like the Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division (WHD), the Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI-OR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our vendors and providers are also working tirelessly to keep us connected, plugged in and functioning. So instead of resharing information that is coming directly from these various sources that have helped my firm, I wanted to share three specific insights I’m learning as I seek outside my usual “Resources” to help buoy up myself and my “Humans.”
1. What were your daily routines?
As I experience the ups-and-downs of it all I’ve been more intently drawing upon what I’ve practiced in pre-pandemic times. These practices include both spiritual and physical exercises. I’ve encouraged my team to do the same. It’s daily, it’s sometimes hard, but it’s good and it’s a good starting point. I’ll share a bit from my experience today. I listened to a morning message and was reminded of courage. I’ve certainly been seeing and hearing about it in the news. Great feats of courage revealing the true human virtue that it is. This morning I decided to stop and spend a few minutes pondering courage. And even thinking on the word brought me inspiration which lead to new motivation for the day. Author Melanie Greenburg, PH. D gives some great highlights and quote’s around courage. If interested, check out her article, “The Six Attributes of Courage,” where she presents several elements of courage and a courage building exercise.
2. W.I.N
Next, I thought I’d share what I learned from a recent webinar I listened to. The webinar, titled “Mental Skills for the COVID crisis” caught my eye on my Instagram story feed so I signed up to listen and learn! One of the things I learned (and a great takeaway) was from the pratice’s co-founder Dr. Jonatan Fader, who shared the acronym WIN: What’s Important Now. I loved this for several reasons: it’s short, I can remember it, and it’s totally applicable right now. I wasted no time in sharing WIN with my team and continue to draw on it daily for both inspiration and focus. If you’ve got time or need a break from what’s in front of you check out the full webinar at Mental Skills for the COVID crisis.
3. FIND inspiration from the Least Expected places
And lastly, a simple story of personal inspiration. This week is the start of spring term for my 2 college kids. They are both home, both in creative majors requiring studio’s and currently sharing what we now call ‘dorm room north.’ At about 6:30am I heard the coffee pot brewing and then the sound of a sewing machine getting warmed up. It was my son’s industrial sewing class. No Zoom meeting offered and with little direction he proceeded to make something from nothing. Trying to keep our sense of humor I looked over and mentioned what a great job he did to hear him say with a note of wit “welcome to my forte.” And then came 2pm and my daughter’s painting class. While we don’t have an easel or a separate studio, other than the front entry that also doubles as a workout area, she began mixing her colors as if she were crafting a new recipe. I’ve seen (and felt) their disappointment, discouragement and then coming to terms with the fact that their art classes would be at-home in makeshift locations. They have pressed on past their current limitations, not without gratitude, but certainly with a level of grit and courage. As I looked up at each of them over my morning coffee, I took inspiration to also push past my fears today and get started.
So my question to you is what’s in front of you today that might inspire you in some new way? Keep watch for that daily inspiration, especially aware of the usual and mundane. You may find yourself inspired by regular life as much as you’ve been inspired by the most courageous on the front lines. And as my 81 year old mom says – take what helps and leave the rest and take heart.
