This season is usually filled with messages of hope. As leaders, we can feel that it’s our responsibility to communicate hopeful messages to our teams – to lift spirits, to sing praises.
Yet, this year, it’s more difficult for some of us to hear these tunes and words from the choir lofts and in holiday concerts – the words Hallelujah and Gloria. Not only are we physically absent from the concerts, we may also be emotionally taxed and have a hard time internalizing these words of hope. This year, the words of the season have been replaced with “be careful,” “may you be safe,” “may health be yours.” “Remember, wear your mask and socially distance.” “Someone’s life depends on it.” These messages are heavy, and many of us are striving to lift ourselves and our teams above that weight.
The Buoy as Beacon
The interesting thing about a buoy in the water is that it bobs and gets tossed and turned – water washes over it and yet, because it both floats and is tethered or anchored, it serves to guide, mark, and warn those navigating near it and something lies below.
The buoy remains afloat much like us as leaders. We aren’t always certain what is happening beneath the surface. We can see the buoy moving as the water splashes. People may look at us as a leader and think that we have everything under control. We are bobbing and moving with the water around us. Our training has prepared us to hold things together, to provide direction, to maintain the positivity during the storm. And yet, sometimes we too need others to be the buoy for us. We are sometimes floating with a strong tether, and at other times, we too are sinking.
Change and Belief
Lately, I’ve found myself masked and in the back of an Uber. These trips bring interesting conversations about COVID-19. Through masks and plexiglass, we discuss what others are willing to do or not – what they believe about the virus or not – and ultimately, what they do know to be true. It’s not real until someone close to them becomes infected; then they believe.
I have a renewed sense of hope with the COVID-19 vaccination making it’s way across the country – seeing the healthcare workers that are willing to take the vaccine so that others will believe and take it too. It brings new meaning to the word Believe. The public is sitting and waiting – watching to see what’s going to happen with the first recipients. They must see to believe.
Solstice Darkness
We are entering into the darkest time of the year in this time of the Winter Solstice. Each year, I look forward to December 21st because I know that although it’s the longest night of the year, it’s also the moment when the seasonal light begins to return. Many of the holidays celebrated at this time are focused on light. This is a time of waiting for the light – a time of reflection.
Because of the weight of 2020, we may want to lift other’s spirits so that a sense of the holidays can be rescued from the peril of death, bad news, cynicism. Sometimes, what is – is! The definite realities cannot be ignored nor changed. So many jobs lost – so many people have died around the world. Tent cities line our streets more than ever. People are living in their cars and others are wondering about the next meal or utilities payment.
Be the Light
Leadership is not required to always act as a buoy on top, safely guiding travels through the rocky waters. As fellow humans, we can choose to follow the anchor rope down to where others may be languishing in the depths.
What if healing and peace came through being honest with the current moment? Through acknowledging others’ realities – committing to being with them in the darkness, talking to them so that they know they aren’t alone. Listen to their pain first. Then, get up and begin the journey to the surface.
They might be able to follow you along the rope to the buoy after the authentic connection has occurred. You can lead the way to the surface – to the days filled with greater light. To the promise of this time – Hope.
Robin Miller, PhD is an Executive and Leadership Communication Coach. She specializes in executive communication using the Advanced 360LiC Assessment and leadership team interpersonal communication.
