Hello! I'm Meico. I'm a recovering workaholic who helps changemakers improve their well-being and increase their well-doing.
Subscribe to get regular insights on increasing your well-being so you can sustainably increase your well-doing in changing the world.
Re: Managing Your Team’s Post-Election Stress
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Hey Reader, This week may be one of the most stressful of the year with year-end projects picking up and the election weighing on you. If you and your team are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions, know that this is a very real and normal response. The key is to understand that you’re not broken; you’re simply having a human reaction to fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. In fact, research shows that employee engagement and productivity can decline post-election due to heightened stress, uncertainty, and polarization. As you process the results, here are some actions you can take to help your team stay supported and focused. Affirm your teamIn turbulent times, fears may get the best of us. Reaffirm your team, reminding them of your shared mission and why the work you do together matters. Show them that their efforts are appreciated and impactful. Your team needs to know that you’re there to support them and that you're working alongside them to navigate this tough election season. Create spaceDuring high-stress periods, providing space and time for employees to decompress can be very beneficial. Consider how you can offer more flexibility to your team. Here are some ideas:
Plan for post-election communicationBe ready to communicate with your team within 24-48 hours of the results. You don’t need to have all the answers, but share what you do know and commit to providing updates as you have more clarity. This is also a chance to acknowledge that team members may experience a range of emotions about the election outcome—and that’s okay. Consider the following questions as you prepare your communication:
Provide supportAsk your team what they need and be responsive to these needs. For example, if your organization offers mental health benefits, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or initiatives like the Election Resilience Circle for Mission-Driven Professionals, remind your team about these resources. No matter what comes next, remember you are smart, strong, and resilient. While some circumstances are beyond your control, you do have control over how you respond to them.Dharma teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo, in We Were Made for These Times, describes it this way: One of the things that can make navigating times of transition and challenge even more difficult is when we resist the changes coming at us or we think there’s something wrong with our life, or with us, when the road gets bumpy. We may believe that life is not supposed to be this way. But transition and challenge are a part of life. I couldn’t agree more. You were made for times such as this. Keep doing the good work, Meico P.S. If you're feeling stressed out by the election, join us on election night. Instead of tuning into the results, we'll be turning within and tapping into our natural resilience.This is a free virtual open space I'm hosting for people to drop in and do some guided exercises to help ease anxiety, share some practical strategies for dealing with election season at work, and create a self-care plan for taking care of ourselves and our teams regardless of the election outcome. In these interactive gatherings, we’ll: Don’t face election stress alone—join us and leave feeling renewed and empowered to navigate the season ahead of us. Feel free to share this email and invite friends and colleagues to join you in this experience. Register free at mindfultechie.com/circle Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe for free here! |
Hello! I'm Meico. I'm a recovering workaholic who helps changemakers improve their well-being and increase their well-doing.
Subscribe to get regular insights on increasing your well-being so you can sustainably increase your well-doing in changing the world.
Hey Reader, It’s been a challenging week, and I know you’re managing a lot right now. As you strategize what to do in the post-election season, I invite you to include your own well-being as part of your plan for moving forward. This is particularly important as a team leader. Research shows that stress and anxiety can be contagious and detrimental at high levels if they’re not addressed. So, being able to skillfully manage your mental and emotional climate is a critical skill for leading...
Hey Reader, How are you holding up? I know this week has been trying for many changemakers. So, if you’re feeling frazzled, you’re in good company. As you process the election results, you may be wondering what, if anything, to say to your team. While it may be tempting to ignore the elephant in the room and focus on “the work,” not recognizing the emotional climate within your team could backfire. By addressing the election’s impact, you’re fostering a culture of trust and support that...
Hey Reader, By now you’ve probably seen the election results. As you figure out next steps, remember: this isn’t your first time navigating change, uncertainty, and disruption. You are smart, strong, and resilient. Your mission remains the same. And the world needs you more than ever. In times like these, it’s important to create space for yourself before recommitting to the work. If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you’ve probably heard this safety instruction many times: “In the event of a...