Holding Space After Big Events: The Empathetic Manager’s Guide
Yes, the 2024 election is a really good example of a “big event.”
Today is going to feel like a lot.
The day after an election (or any big event in our communities) can be incredibly intense. Regardless of the outcome – or if there is an outcome to report yet – there are likely a lot of big feelings floating around your workplace. And while many of us may have a "work hat" and a "life hat," the truth is, those hats aren't always easy to keep separate, especially when democracy itself hangs in the balance.
If you’re a manager, you have a unique opportunity and yes, duty, to foster support, set the tone for your team, and remind them that you believe that they are humans first and professionals second. To ensure you’re holding space for your people, here are six tips to keep in mind today.
To ensure you’re holding space for your people, here are six tips to keep in mind today.
(1) Create an opening
Start the day after the election with a simple acknowledgment that yesterday was significant. This could be as simple as saying, “I know everyone may be bringing a different set of emotions today. Just want you to know that I see you, however you’re showing up.” Your people will appreciate the humanity in your approach to their political hangovers.
(2) Be flexible
Maybe today isn’t the best day for that high-stakes meeting. If you sense that your team’s energy is off or that someone might be struggling, consider adjusting your agenda to meet group needs or offering a bit of calendar flexibility. Async or remote work, where possible, can also be a really nice option.
(3) Provide reminders
Does your organization offer mental health resources? Unlimited PTO or flexible mental health days? Remind your team of the supports available to them. Bonus points if you send that email, text, or slack reminder today in advance of any results being called.
Oh, and if your organization doesn’t offer these crucial human supports? You have enormous agency as a manager to talk to the powers that be about why that is and encourage change.
(4) Create reflection space
Not everyone will want to discuss their feelings openly, but some may find it helpful to process emotions together. Offer an optional, judgment-free space for team members who’d like to share or reflect on the recent event. You might say something like, “For anyone who wants to come together and reflect as a team, we’ll have an open discussion space at [time/location].” This isn’t about diving into debate or agreement; it's simply about listening and connecting as people. Please do emphasize the “optional” nature of this space.
(5) Take care of yourself
It’s easy to get wrapped up in taking care of everyone else today but remember that you’re also carrying emotions from the election. Whether it’s finding five minutes of quiet time, grabbing the walk after lunch, buying the extra-large coffee, take time to process and reset. By taking care of yourself, you’re also modeling self-care for your team.
(6) End with connection
As the day winds down, bring the team together (virtually is totally fine) for a quick check-in. This doesn’t need to be a big debrief; just an opportunity to connect and reinforce that everyone’s in this together. “Thanks for showing up today and being flexible with each other,” can go a long way in reminding everyone that whatever happens next, we’re on the same team, at least in the organization. (An alternative here is to send team shout outs from the day, which is a gentler way to lean in to the connection we all crave after an insane election cycle.)
Want more?
Building a culture of trust, connectedness and humanity isn’t an easy task, after an election or at any other time. Our 90-minute workshops provide collaborative learning in a safe environment, and allow for teammates to grow together. And our leadership coaching? It’s an exceptional way to build your skill as a manager.
