Marcia's Leadership Q&As
/A. Having just spoken at a conference for event and meeting planners, the issues and questions they are raising and preparing for are fresh in my mind. The organizations that will likely survive in the long term will be the ones that are seriously communicating with their vendors across their supply chain. They are true partners, sharing every detail with transparency as soon as they are aware of changes—both the good and bad news. All of the parties need to be as flexible, collaborative, and supportive of each other as possible—in action, not just words.
Contracts will also get more specific. How will quality service be defined in a still-Covid world where the number one concern for 60% of meeting planners is the safety of their attendees? Contracts will spell it out. For example, if the peak time for attendees will arrive for registration, specify how many staff members will be needed at the desk (we’ve all seen long lines after a tiring flight, and one person is working the desk.) Specify the training requirements you need to serve your attendees.
Resort destinations are pricey and will eventually come down, but it may take a year. There’s a lot of pent-up demand for people to meet—safely. This is a time to listen to each other and help everyone continue to successfully work out of the pandemic. Those who try to take advantage of others by being inflexible will be remembered in the future. Find the win-win in your interactions to optimize the results for all.
A. Grieving is not generally a huge topic in the workplace, but the past and next years are exceptions. People have experienced a tremendous variety of many kinds of loss. Loss of a loved one or colleague is most devastating. Loss of a relationship, a job, a business, financial stability, the way things were, connections with friends or colleagues are experiences that need to be healed. Everyone grieves in different ways.
There are no right or wrong ways. To heal, people need to feel. Being there for someone just to listen, share stories, share the pain is an important part of the healing process for many. Some people heal quickly and others may take years.
Be patient with each other. Check in with how people to see how they are. Do small things to be supportive. If you ask how you can help, it can put more pressure on the person grieving. Instead, don’t ask; do something! There is a focus on creating mental wellness programs in more schools and organizations to support those who are struggling. Connect people with resources (books, videos, articles, a support group.) Most importantly, don’t brush the grief away. It is the reality and the healing process takes time.