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Gentle Leadership During Times of Trauma

Pam Brandon

The delta COVID-19 variant seems to be ushering in an understandable second round of pandemic-induced anxiety.  Aging Services providers, and those that serve them, are still traumatized from the first go-around.  Enough time has not passed to allow for a psychological re-set to cope with a do-over.  So, what are we to do?

There are no easy answers, but I believe Mike Logan, CEO for the Michigan Masonic Home shared some excellent points of view and guidance to help leaders dig deeper to effectively lead and care for themselves during times of trauma.  AGE-u-cate was honored to have Mike as our Virtual Road Trip guest in May, 2021.  I hope you find it helpful to recap some of Mike's salient points.

  • You are not on this journey alone and it is OK to seek others for help.   Reclaim or find your spiritual center, and do things that feed your soul.   
  • A Servant Leadership approach will help to re-build your team's spirit, and in turn, your spirit.  This means knowing the people who work for you more deeply than just what they "do".  
  • Focus on the basics like compassion, and notice the good things instead of just the bad.
  • Remember that you can't be in control of everything.  Release yourself from assuming all the burdens of the day.

The saying is quite true, "It is lonely at the top."  So take one hour for yourself, and take a listen to the rest of the webinar (link above), for you may find something that hits home and helps you through the next wave.