Communicating in troubling times and beyond

In the wake of ongoing crises, including the aftermath of the pandemic, extreme weather events, and global conflicts, there's a critical need for executives to embrace enduring compassion and open lines of communication within their organizations. We must not forget the lessons learned during the pandemic, where leaders revealed their authentic, human and vulnerable sides.

Executives must now resist the urge to revert to pre-pandemic norms and instead build upon the invaluable lessons learned during the height of the crisis. It’s unlikely that the complexities of current events are going to get any simpler. In fact, our world is likely to become increasingly challenging and unpredictable.

To sustain effective communication within organizations, the key is for executives continue to prioritize empathy and human connection.

Acknowledging the weight of a complex world

The heaviness of current times is undeniable. Witnessing ongoing global conflict have triggered internal and intergenerational trauma and many individuals are still grappling with the impact of the pandemic on their mental health. Human suffering is happening before our very eyes. I rarely engage in a conversation with anyone, whether they are friends, family, or business connections without discussing the challenges we've faced and our ongoing struggle for full recovery.

Recently, during my attendance at the IABC Canada West Conference, speaker Darby Semeniuk, Director, Communications and Philanthropy at CASA Mental Health, stressed the importance of considering your audience's mental state when communicating with them. To some extent we're all hurting right now, affected either directly or indirectly by the pandemic, climate crisis, racism, a polarized political landscape, and global conflict. It's a time of introspection for many to evaluate what truly matters.

An opportunity to foster compassionate communication

Executives play a pivotal role in ensuring that work is a psychologically safe place. They set the tone from the top. They can encourage leaders within their organization to establish and maintain open lines of communication. This message should be consistently reinforced through leader sessions and all-employee communications.

This is an opportunity to unlock a kinder and more compassionate world and to keep our perspective on what matters the most – making a positive impact on people, the planet, and our communities.

As executives, you have the power to make a difference:

• Open the lines of communication, allowing people to express themselves and truly be heard.

• Foster trust by communicating with clarity and transparency.

• Empower others to be brave and courageous, building their confidence to find their voice.

• Show humility by listening and learning from others' experiences.

• Advocate for ongoing mental health programming and resources within your organization.

• Invest in fostering your own resilience to avoid compassion fatigue.

Critics may argue that this approach is coddling, but it's not about patronizing. It’s about acknowledging the state of the world and demonstrating empathy for the state of our hearts and minds through your words and actions. People yearn to make a positive contribution in the workplace, to find purpose and be of service to others. Creating a continuous safe and supportive environment allows individuals to do just that.

Compassionate leadership is not a temporary response to a crisis but a long-term commitment to understanding, empathy, and the well-being of your team and organization. The impact of executives who lead and communicate with enduring compassion goes beyond the workplace, shaping an empathetic and more inclusive world.

Seeking guidance for executive communications? Contact me for my consultative services.