Personal challenges happen to all of us, and let’s be honest, work isn’t the place that a lot of high achievers and leaders want to talk about issues they are having outside of the office. We often struggle with how to share our challenges (if at all!) and what to say to others who are experiencing them. But look, part of being a whole person at work and building a culture of work-life integration is recognizing that you and your team have personal lives that are deeply important too, and especially when challenges arise.
So this week Caitlin joins me to discuss how to navigate personal challenges at work whether you are experiencing them yourself or someone on your team is struggling with a divorce, death, or another crisis. We discuss why it’s important not to hide them, what to say to others about them, why so many people feel insecure sharing personal issues (even though everyone has them at one time or another), and the incredibly powerful thing that happens when we give ourselves full permission to feel in both life and business.
In this episode, you will learn about:
- Why do most people hold their emotions in and feel too ashamed to let others know how they are really doing?
- What to say to comfort someone when you just don’t have the words.
- How to be a vault to others during a challenging time and show them that it’s safe to share both the small things and the larger issues.
Take a listen and let us know what you think with a comment below! If you like what you hear, make sure to subscribe and share with a friend.
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Timestamps
[2:40] We don’t always need to have the right words to say to comfort others during a challenging time. Just letting them know that you are present and with them can be enough.
[4:10] The worst thing to do when you are suffering is to pretend like it doesn’t exist and not live your truth. Find someone to help you process the pain, and don’t live in shame, guilt, and frustration.
[5:35] More people are going through challenging situations than you may think. In any given gathering, up to 75% of the people may be struggling with something.
[6:08] Our ego can get us in the way of feeling okay with not being okay. It comes down to a fear of not being enough, but it’s our ego trying to keep us safe and protected.
[6:20] We discuss the freedom that would occur if we dropped our ego, had no resistance, and put it all out there for the world to get.
[7:21] There is a big difference between people showing up as a victim or trying to stir up drama and someone going through a challenge.
[10:21] While it may feel like you are inadequate for needing help, there is true strength in being vulnerable and letting people in that can be there with you.
[15:26] A great leader acts as a vault and provides a safe space for others to come to them about both the small things and the big things. They allow people to unfold.
[17:52] Set yourself up for a practice every day where you can surrender and process the emotions coming up. It can be meditation, journaling, exercise, etc.
[18:48] Some days it is not possible to have big emotional conversations. That is fine, but make sure you do schedule some time to experience the event.
[22:29] When we wake up, it puts us in a position where we can be clear and share our experience with others in an authentic way.
[27:51] Give people the space so they can go through the challenges and grow as a human being.
