Growing Through Trauma with Your Staff
Growing Through Trauma
Many of us have experienced some degree of trauma as a result of the pandemic - high levels of stress, economic insecurity and an ongoing sense of fear and uncertainty about the future. According to Don't Just Lead Your People Through Trauma. Help Them Grow, studies have shown that survivors of trauma experience increased well-being after trauma. In the aftermath of shocking events, people often start over and rethink their priorities. They might change careers to better match their values or reconnect with estranged friends. Many experience greater purpose, stronger social connections or deepened spirituality. Psychologists call this “posttraumatic growth,” or PTG, and it’s fairly common: In one meta-study of more than 10,000 trauma survivors, about 50% reported at least some PTG.
As leaders, rather than aiming for a recovery or asking employees to return to normal, we should ask bigger questions about how our organizations can grow through this moment. Here two insights from psychological science can help: affirming values and emphasizing community.
So, how do we affirm values? Have team members list their most important guiding principles and write about why those values matter to them. The organization should do the same thing. By linking words and action, you can help your team focus not just on what they do, but why they’re doing what they do.
We can emphasize community by reaching out to our employees. It is vitally important to listen - even though employees may be working remotely be sure to conduct frequent check in’s. For employees who are onsite, they need to connect with others. It is important to provide resources such as a list of childcare providers or an employee assistance program depending on what someone needs.
The choices we make in this moment will shape who we — and our organizations — become. In times of trauma, these strategies can help organizations not merely survive, but build what we wish had been there all along.