Friday, June 9, 2017

Developing A Compassionate Culture

Today, it often takes a prominent and influential individual or group of people to make changes in our lifestyles in the work place and at home.

Just read an article in Fast Company, a magazine I read almost from cover to cover along with many others in the days when magazine subscriptions were part of my worldly capabilities to purchase and pursue. 

Online ability to read, to listen, to view, has been important to my well being as it keeps open access to information now and especially when we were unable to spend an additional dollar let alone the cost of a magazine or even the gas that would be used to get to a library.

It references Sheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook and includes her loss of her husband suddenly on vacation in Mexico in 2015 at the age of 47. 

Shock and awe. I understand. When death is the last thing you expect or believe will happen, you are set spinning or as I've stated in several previous entries in this blog, feeling like you're moving in "jello" every minute of each day.

Yes, you adjust -- in time. You continue to move forward. 

What you learn is what it means when you "directly" have an experience just isn't the same as hearing about a friend's unfortunate loss or an unrelated extended family member.

It's like watching anything happen, hearing about it as compared to having it happen directly to you; there is a distinct and more impactful experience.

Here's the web connection


Facebook, let's hope, is leading the way in creating work environments understanding we are not just "company" focused and they are far the better for our being human as we bring feeling, emotion and with it respect and consideration for what we do and how we do it.

Now, Ms. Sandberg, please take a deep look at other "policies" within your organization and view them from a more "personal" angle. Your employees are great assets when treated humanely.

All of you who live without truly thinking about the "human" side of life, the reality of the full scope and depth of being human, stop....look....listen. 

Develop a More Compassionate Culture.



Sunday, June 4, 2017

Building Bridges

Caregiving often separates families at a time when coming together is in the best interest of the unit.

Scenerio:  Two or more adult children. At least one lives nearby and the rest live far enough away they cannot participate in daily care giving.

One or more of those close by "take over" or so it is often seen by the others. 

Even in our high tech world, being "on site" can provide a higher level of involvement simply because of the proximity to the challenges.

Involved with families and careers the caregiver/caregivers now add another layer to their already multilevel lives as they continue to learn, grow, experience, want and need.

Suddenly (or not) their time and talents are needed. To some it may come as a surprise; to one or more, it's a progression they've seen coming or due to illness or medical emergency had thrust into their lives.

How do you manage? 

What's most important? 

And if your family unit already has challenges in its functioning, how does the main caregiver or caregivers work around and through the family dynamics that continue to diversify and extend?

How Do You Build Bridges?  Open for discussion.