The Reclusion Resistance
The pandemic and surrounding cultural climate have forced us all into some form of reclusion in the past year. Social distancing has gone beyond physical distancing and for many has caused isolation. More than any other time within memory there is a spirit of depression in the air. Many people have certainly endured trauma during this pandemic and even for those who haven’t there is still a sense of sadness lingering.
In this post, I don’t intend to be informative or insightful. I simply would like to offer a reminder to leaders that work for social good. We all know that times are hard. There may never be a more difficult time to lead within our life. Our organizations and businesses face many challenges and perhaps even existential threats. Leaders are working on multiple fronts including finance, personnel, business model transformation, and new applications of technology all while implementing strict health protocols. It is easy to be overwhelmed. The mental and physical strain of the pandemic along with bitter partisan politics of the moment have been our reality for almost a year. The result has been a fracturing and erosion of human virtues and relationships.
How are we to navigate? How are we to persevere? How are we to lead in such a moment? We must make a human investment and look after our people - our teams, our customers and clients. Let’s not forget, humanity is wired to draw strength from community. In this moment we need each other and we need each others best.
As I’ve observed my own attitudes and habits, if I am honest, I’ve often withdrawn into my shell during this pandemic. I’ve come to realize that if we hope to lead and accomplish work that matters in this moment we must fight reclusion. We must draw on our deepest reserves of faith, hope, and love to encourage (in whatever way possible) those around us. My work place (a school) is in-person but with safety guidelines and distancing. It has never been easier to go for hours without saying hello, avoid spending a few seconds to ask how someone’s weekend was, or dodge inquiring about the health of a loved one. You may be in a virtual work place making it even easier to bypass interaction. I’ve come to realize that we must lead a resistance - a war on the withdraw. Why? Because relationships are still central to life and meaningful work. Trust and report still build human capital which is essential for all meaningful work.
Even as we have been stripped of many tools to build relationships, we must find and fashion replacements. Start small with the people you interact with most. Than let it become a mode of operation that spreads to coworkers, customers, donors, clients, and beyond. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started:
End of day checkin - Make a short phone call or stop by where a coworker is at (keeping a safe distance) and ask how their day went. Let them know that you are intentionally just checking to see how they are holding up.
Silly Surprise - Drop off a gift that will bring a smile. Something comical, kiddish or fun. Think balloon, lollipop, or cupcake. Write a little note just letting the person know that they are important to you and your team.
Lunch Hangout - Meet for lunch virtually establishing a no business talk zone just to visit and spend a bit of casual time together.
(See below for further ideas). Remember there is hope for the future. We can solve the massive problems that face us. As we manage the many other items called for by the moment, let’s become part of the reclusion resistance and invite others to join as well. It will pay off.
Further Exploration:
9 Morale-Boosting Employee Engagement Activities During COVID-19 https://www.outbackteambuilding.com/blog/employee-engagement-activities-during-covid-19/
Virtual Ideas to Keep Your Team Connected During COVID-19 https://www.hubledigital.com/blog/ideas-keep-team-connected-during-covid-19-lockdown
17 Ways to Boost Employee Morale During COVID-19 That Aren’t Happy Hours https://blog.namely.com/ways-to-boost-morale-during-covid-that-arent-happy-hours
