Crafting Messages That Resonate During Tough Times

Don't bury your head in the sand - what is happening in LA is affecting your people. Here is some language to help - proactive, empathetic communication during disruptive life events matters. "Good morning, We know that some of you are carrying an extra weight of concern this week as unrest ripples through Los Angeles. The images, the stories, and the very real impact on our communities are distressing — and for some of us, they are deeply personal. We want to acknowledge that these events do not stay outside the workplace. It is okay to feel distracted, upset, angry, fearful, or numb — and it is okay to need support. Please know that your well-being matters. We encourage everyone to take care of themselves and one another. If you need flexibility, time to process, or someone to talk to, please reach out to your manager or HR. Our Employee Assistance Program is also available [include link if applicable]. Let’s continue to be a workplace where care and empathy guide how we show up for each other — especially in difficult moments like this. With care, [Your Name or Company Name]" #empathy #empathyatwork #handlewithcare #communications #crisiscommunications

In light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, I think it’s important that we, as leaders and colleagues, acknowledge the emotional toll such events can have on people. Whether employees are directly from the region or have family, friends, or cultural ties, they may be carrying invisible burdens: fear, grief, anger, helplessness. And in multinational teams, it’s even more important to foster empathy over division, support over silence, and humanity over politics. As someone with all my family and friends in the region, the current situation weighs heavily on me — both personally and professionally. In navigating this difficult time, I’ve found a few actions particularly helpful, and I believe they can support others too: • Create Safe Spaces: Open, judgment-free environments can make a big difference. Hosting listening circles or drop-in sessions within Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offers employees a place to process, connect, or simply be heard. Let’s remember — ERGs shouldn’t only be for celebrations and social events. In times of crisis, they can be a powerful source of comfort and solidarity. Even something as simple as a “Coffee and Camaraderie” session can foster meaningful, healing conversations. • Be mindful of assumptions: Avoid generalizations about people based on their nationality or background. Each person’s experience is unique. • Offer flexibility: Some employees may need time off, lighter workloads, or mental health support. Compassion is powerful. • Lead with empathy: Even a simple “How are you doing with everything going on?” can open the door to support. • Provide resources: Ensure employees know how to access EAPs, counseling, or support lines — and signal that it’s okay to use them. This is not about taking sides. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and being present for one another — especially when the world feels heavy. Let’s choose compassion. #Leadership #Empathy #GlobalTeams #MentalHealthAtWork #MiddleEast #Inclusion

Layoffs are never easy.  If they are, might check your humanity. I’m sad to say, as a communication executive, change leader, and now a coach for two decades, I’ve observed, supported, helped write speeches, coached individuals to navigate them, helped teams rally, and helped executives rebuild culture in the aftermath. I’ve seen the impact firsthand—on teams, on individuals, and yes, even on leaders. The worst part? It’s the aftermath—the uncertainty, the silence, the ripple effect on the company culture, both in the lives impacted by the layoffs and the survivor guilt of those who made it through. I remember when my dad faced a similar challenge.  Business collapse. Community lost. A team left to pick up the pieces. That’s when I realized: it’s not just about what you do—it’s about how you lead through the hardest moments. Here’s what I’ve learned from watching other leaders navigate these tough moments: 1) Talk About the "Why" Transparency is key. Don’t sugarcoat it. If employees can understand why a difficult decision is being made, it helps them process it better, and ultimately, rebuild trust. 2) Build (or Maintain) Relationships Community isn’t just for good times. It’s during hard times when a strong network matters most. Help your team find connections—whether internally or externally. They’ll bounce back faster. 3) Offer Real Support Career coaching, emotional support, or even just a listening ear—people need tools to thrive, no matter the outcome. 4) Lead with Empathy Listen more than you speak, and show your team they matter, even when things feel uncertain. Layoffs may change a team’s structure, but they shouldn’t change the respect, trust, or care you have for your people. And that’s the kind of leadership that helps a team rebuild, not just survive. So, how are you showing up for your team today, so they’re ready for whatever comes next?

The S&P 500’s dips and global market jitters aren’t just headlines. It's directly impacting all of your employees, guaranteed. And while you can’t control the stock market, you can control how you internally communicate through uncertainty 📈 📉 During these times, being a precise internal communicator could be your superpower when Silence = Speculation. 71% of employees say poor communication during crises directly impacts their trust in leadership (Edelman). So here are a few tips for navigating this: ↳ 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕. Be upfront with your team and note the challenges on the horizon. It's your job to deliver both the good & bad news ↳ 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅. Replace jargon like "market recalibration" with "here's what this means for us" ↳ 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅. Reorient and rally the team around your goals & mission. The strength of any company is the strength of its people Because volatile markets don’t break companies. Miscommunication does.