HR Newsletters 2020

Education : Any traumatic event forces us to rethink our core belief systems and determine how we wish to see our future. The recent quarantine likely challenged many to redefine family, home, and work life in ways that are different from pre-COVID days. Being mindful of our past and understanding how we wish to proceed after trauma is an important first step. Emotional Regulation : Learning from negative events cannot take place without an understanding of our own emotions and attitudes. Negative emotions such as anxiety, guilt, and anger can be changed by shifting our thoughts that lead to such feelings. In this step, rather than remain focused on the uncertainties, losses, or worst-case scenarios, we should instead strive to focus on best-case possibilities and ways we can alter our approach and thinking from a negative mindset to a positive mindset. Disclosure : This part of the growth process involves talking about “what has happened and is happening: its effects—both small and broad, short- and long-term, personal and professional, individual and organiza- tional—and what [we] are struggling with in its wake (Tedeschi, 2020).” Here we are making an effort to ar- ticulate what has changed and how it has impacted our lives and becoming cognizant of any debilitating thoughts that may hinder us from moving forward in a positive way. Narrative Development : In this step, we should consider our past experiences and how we wish to experi- ence our future. We are able to define our future in a meaningful way. It can be likened to chapters in a book. We have already written several chapters; now we can craft the future narrative to fill the remaining chapters. Service : People are said to fare better after traumatic events when they find work that benefits others – particularly helping those in their local or broader community who have experienced similar trauma. Use this time as an opportunity to assess your personal mission and seek opportunities that energize you and provide value and meaning. For some, this may take the form of providing relief during uncertain situations – for example, sewing masks for community members, supporting small and local businesses when making purchases, and/or simply showing compassion and empathy for others through manner, word, and thought. Benefits derived from the growth process may include a greater sense of personal strength and resilience, a heightened awareness of new possibilities previously unexplored, improved relationships with family and friends, a stronger appreciation for life, and more spiritual growth. It is important to remember that growth cannot be forced or rushed to meet anyone else’s timetable. It takes patience, time, and reflection.

Reference:

Tedeschi, R.G. (2020). Growth After Trauma. Harvard Business Review . Retrieved from https:// hbr.org/2020/07/growth-after-trauma

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