Safety Mindsets to Courageously Cope
We need to develop safety mindsets to courageously cope with where we are at and what is to come.
Many of us will be experiencing loss, fear, confusion and concern. Whilst we may be familiar with these difficult feelings, there are noteworthy differences to when we have experienced them in the past.
The impact of this pandemic on us is enormous. Most have not experienced feelings at this scale, this compounded or this holistic.
Not only are our emotions multiple and magnified, but our coping strategies are compromised. In ‘normal’ times there are rituals and behaviours that help us travel through difficult feelings. Here are some usual ways in which we may usually cope with difficult circumstances:
Seek solace in social situations
Stick to our routines to carry us through
Distract ourselves with our hobbies or entertainment
Problem-solve a way around, or through our situation
Gain comfort from social or physical closeness from others
Our suffering may become unresolved or 'stacked', causing a build-up of worry, anger, sadness or panic. If your usual coping strategies are possible to implement now and they would be helpful, of course, they should be used. Perhaps you are finding new ones in this time of resourcefulness and innovation (please do share them with me/others).
It may also be time to learn new ways to make yourself feel safe, new ways to manage your emotions. Perhaps it is the best time, when things are this crazy, to practice your safety mindsets.
I will be posting little videos on Linkedin over the next few weeks with some tips of what to do to keep yourself and those around you psychologically safe. I very much hope they help. Please, in the spirit of us all trying to cope courageously, could you please pass any gems you're learning onto me so I can share them too.
Look out this week for a published e-book by Alessandra Edwards and Dr Amy Silver, with contribution from Brent Hodgson
Brace for Impact: How to Survive and Thrive in the Pandemic Era
Some ways to work with me
Facilitating meaningful and action-focused conversations for collectives that are progressing with team excellence behaviours and/or conversations that require safety and care to progress effectively with accountability by all.
Remarkable teaming behaviour is built on strong connections and courageous communication. This program gives you faster decisions, higher quality work and frictionless interpersonal systems. For collectives who want to work better together. The Safe Space Program
Training your managers to help them have conversations that drive performance and engagement (including giving and receiving feedback, difficult conversations and the responsibility of leadership. Conversations Create Growth
Driving self- management and behavioural flexibility for people to adapt, control their best self and influence strongly those around them. Self-management
Accessing one of my keynotes for your internal organisation or to recommend me to speak at an industry event. Speaking
Of course, I'd also be delighted to talk if you think I can help +61 421 955 700
Amy helps teams use the psychology of groups to their advantage. Her programs drive connection, communication and courage for remarkable achievements. Please see The Safe Space and DrAmySilver.com