Watch For The Signs
A crisis is both a threat and an opportunity
As the pandemic continues, other issues will present themselves related to our stress and high state of emotions. Life doesn’t stop because of COVID-19.
Long-simmering issues will surface.
We will need to be vigilant to spot the signs since our attention may be focused on coping with the virus and its impacts.
Keep a keen eye out for signs of distress in you — and others.
Listen and assist where needed.
Lessons to Learn
The rest of life proceeds during a crisis.
Past challenges will often be heightened.
We already see more signs of social unrest, depression, stress, burnout, and quarantine fatigue.
We need to keep ourselves healthy and listen and look for signs of distress around us.
Answer for Me
Early in the crisis, I could focus on what the required urgent actions were concerning the pandemic.
I need to be more aware now.
Now I must cast my net more broadly so I can help others as life returns.
Challenges that were there before the pandemic did not go away. The crisis may have heightened them.
I must be more vigilant and aware of what others are experiencing. And, I need to move more quickly to help them if I notice signs of distress.
Actions
Early in a crisis, the crisis itself is the focus.
Later, other issues surface — and maybe accelerated and exacerbated due to the pandemic.
Move quickly to assist others as their problems and challenges become evident.
Quickly dealing with the issues will better help those in need.
Daily Habits
Seek daily to watch for the signs of distress beyond the pandemic issues.
Pause and listen more.
Ask people how they are doing and what is causing them concern now. Offer to help those in need.
Regroup daily and stay healthy in all aspects of your life so you can be available to help others.
If you watch for the signs, you will see where you can help others and make a difference.
To learn more about leadership visit me at www.macny.org.
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