Not so awesome care packages
Truckloads and truckloads of toys descended on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut following the horrific massacre of 20 six and seven-year-old students and six adult staff members ten years ago.
The 9,000 people of Sandy Hook Village were in-shock and grieving. They were burdened with having to address the onslaught of “care packages” that kept coming and coming.
Jen Marr was on the ground supporting this community. Armed with support dogs and a caring heart, she and others showed up to personally care for those suffering for months. She has remained close to many of the people she supported during that time.
Jen reflected on the “care package” senders’ desires to help and the how off the mark their actions were. People wanted to help, but did so in the wrong way.
Don’t know what to say
No one looks forward to meeting with a friend who is suffering — whether they’ve lost a loved one, been laid off or received dire news about their health. It’s uncomfortable. It’s hard.Jen says this is because our human innate skill of providing comfort to others struggling has become weak. Jen’s company, Showing-up LLC, calls this feeling of not knowing what to do or say “The Awkward Zone. ™”
Fresh new training for you
Like me, Jen knows the key to real behavior change is leaders. The behaviors that a leader models establishes the norm for the organization. We need leaders who are strong enough to have empathic conversations.
That’s why Inspiring Comfort created The Supportive Leader Workshop. The training is a very pragmatic approach, complete with discussion templates for leaders. I can see these templates being used in several coaching situations at work and strengthening a leader’s ability to show up promptly and appropriately for those struggling. Soon showing up will become automatic for them, not only at work but in their personal lives.
We know a supportive culture results in a more loyal and productive workforce, and improves attraction and retention.
Key Points
Growth doesn’t happen once you feel confident — it happens because you’re willing to feel awkward and keep going.
Great leaders name the awkwardness for their teams, helping people normalize learning discomfort so progress feels possible.