Leading through uncertain times
Like all New Zealanders I was reminded of the world crisis just as I was going off to sleep last night, the high pitch alarm was a reality check. We have been travelling along in our bubble almost oblivious to the fact that there is still a world wide pandemic.
My brain of course when into over-drive conjuring up all sort of possible scenarios in my minds eye. Needless to say sleep did not come so easily last night. I can imagine this was the same for many many people.
It would be fair to say that most ECE leaders and teacher have endured a fair amount of stress since the beginning of the year. Uncertainty and change create a perfect storm for a stress tornado. So how do we calm the storm and return the peace?
To start with we put our own oxygen masks on first. When this announcement is made on the plane it always feels in contradiction to my gut instincts - but unless we look after ourselves we will not be able to look after others. Find ways to breath - to feel grounded even in the storm. According to Psychology Today blog when we are stressed, self-care is often the first thing to go. Here are some reasons why:
“1. Our brains go into fight-or-flight mode and our perspective narrows. We don’t see we have options—options for coping with stress and making ourselves feel better.
2. We’re so busy trying to solve problems that we’re stuck in “doing mode”—trying to get more and more done—when switching to “being mode” may be just the break we need.
3. We may not have a “go to” list of self-care activities
Self-care has to become a habit, so that when we’re dealing with stress, we remember that, “Hey, I need to take care of myself in this situation.” And, you need a variety of activities to try—if one doesn’t work, you can switch to another.”
When you feel stressed and need a calm mind, try focusing on the sensations around you—sights, smells, sounds, tastes, touch or have a look at some of the suggestion on the link above. This will help you focus on the present moment, giving you a break from your worries. When you have returned to a calm space, because you have taken the time to breath allowing your creative brain to engage, then it might be a good idea to revisit some of those possible scenarios that have flitted through your mind and consider possible ways to respond to them. Remember though to stick with the facts and let the assumptions go otherwise we go further into flight or fight mode.
Leading through times of uncertainty does not mean you have to be superwomen or superman. What will help you to continue to lead with confidence is to have a strong values/morale compass. If we remind ourselves of the why - why did I want to become an ECE teacher or leader then this grounds us. Remember your hopes, your passion and your values continue to live in these and breathe.
We have almost certainly ‘got this’ but in the process of attaining the ‘this’ we need to put our oxygen mask on, breathe and remember:
Take time to be in nature…….
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.