Transformation and Return
November 2021
Hello, fellow heroes!
We continue the exploration of the Hero’s Journey as the hero makes his or her way back - a changed person, stronger for the dragons and allies along the way, and wiser for having taken the journey.
Executive Coaching Insights About the Return to the Workplace
It’s interesting to explore this phase of Transformation and Return when some of our clients and colleagues are facing a return to the workplace. Some are trickling back into the office one by one, others as determined by level or role, and still others are making plans for 2022.
What we’re finding, as we explore this return, is that there are mixed feelings. People are excited at the prospect of seeing colleagues they may not have seen in a year or more, and energized by the idea of casual hallway chatter. One of our husbands had the opportunity to have dinner with coworkers - some of whom he’d never met in person – and came away over the moon. We’ve said it before: we are meant to be in community.
Some of our clients are less enthused about returning to the office. Working from home works, and they have a rhythm in place. We’ve proven that we can be productive and (differently) connected in a virtual work environment, and some people like it that way. People have learned a new way of working, and are comfortable. In fact, the dynamics and benefits of this informal in-person interaction may be overrated, according to a post this summer from the New York Times.
As a part of the hero’s noble quest, the hero returns as a changed person. The hero is called to bring the wisdom of the Journey – the learning from the Quest - back for the benefit of the community. In fact, in classical mythology, the ultimate aim of the heroic quest is the acquisition of wisdom and power to serve others. If you’re being asked to make the transition back to your office, here are three important principles to keep in mind:
People returning are different: A friend reminded us that the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” What was true in the 5th century BC is true today. We have all endured SO much in the last year and ½. Some lovely, some awful, and everything in between. We cannot expect people to lead, interact, and work the “same” as we did in 2019. The world is different. We are different. Glorious and snowflake-like, and each uniquely wonderful. And different. Recognize this as people are coming back together.
Grace and Space: This has been the Nova mantra for 2021. We constantly remind ourselves that – because we are a changed people, and a changed culture – we MUST allow space. Time to process, and “soak” time. Think time and white space. Time with nothing on the calendar, so we can integrate. And – equally important, the grace to accept ourselves, our world, our friends and colleagues just as they are. Right here. Right now.
Practice gratitude: We can’t publish a November newsletter without mentioning gratitude! It’s another practice that we know makes a difference. Each day, the two of us take time to acknowledge the big and small gifts in our lives. Our monthly business review always includes sharing what each of us are grateful for in our lives and in our work.
Nova Leadership Shares Stats on Gratitude
A quick search on “gratitude at work” reveals 344,000,000 hits – in 77 seconds! Sounds like an opportunity. If you want to be a hero with your work colleagues, cultivate gratitude.
In The 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude according to Science, author Kori Miller identifies some of the challenges to gratitude in the workplace. She calls them myths, and our heroes may encounter them as dragons! “People spend more time per week working than with their families (OECD, 2019). Since this is the case, it is vital that people work in healthy, supportive environments. Instilling and expressing gratitude is a simple way companies can increase employees’ job satisfaction. Some employers and employees are hesitant to engage in formal gratitude practices. In response, researcher Amie Gordon (2019) identified four myths about being grateful at work. She outlined the truths about gratitude revealed through scientific inquiry.
The myths and truths are:
Myth #1: It’s forced.
Truth: Participants assigned to “be more grateful” are more satisfied, healthier, and happier. People enjoy gratitude interventions even when told to practice it.
Myth #2: It’s fake.
Truth: Expressing gratitude when it is felt matters. Being specific about what one is grateful for heightens the experience for both people.
Myth #3: It’s fluffy.
Truth: Gratitude is about feeling valued by others and seeing value in others. The majority of employees will leave if they do not feel appreciated and recognized.
Myth #4: It undermines authority.
Truth: Grateful leaders inspire trust. They are perceived as having more integrity. Trust, integrity and inspiration are characteristics of great leaders. And they’re also traits that can be built throughout our own hero’s journey.
We may not feel like heroes. And sometimes we miss our own nobility. The true hero is the one who can take the lessons from the journey and bring that insight to others.
You ARE a hero!
Destination Retreats Are Back
Ready to go deeper on your quest? We’re excited to announce that we’re booked for Tuscany in October 2022. In this five-day Immersion, we’ll explore the hero’s journey in the company of a small cohort of women. We cultivate the inspiration and insight that only comes when you step away from your normal routine.
Just this summer, an attendee from a 2016 Immersion told us how “transformative” the experience was for her. “This experience was a watershed moment for me! The lessons learned and support received during the retreat were invaluable.”
Join our waitlist here – details coming soon. Due to high interest, we’ll be offering two Immersions in Tuscany next October.
And if you’re not yet ready to travel:
Experience what it’s like to have the extraordinary support of your own executive coach. So many of our clients are doing deep transformational work to discover the brilliance within. Reach out to Kathleen or Lisa to discuss how 1x1 coaching can help you chart your path to purpose. “Nova coaching has been instrumental in helping me focus in a way I’d not previously considered…my coaching expectations have been wildly exceeded.”
We’re scheduling 2022 Mastermind series workshops now. “I can’t say enough phenomenal things!” Join us for a six-week exploration into The Hero’s Journey, where we work with a small, curated group to explore purpose, passion, and the path to get there. Find inspiration and build your community. “It has truly changed my life – it made an impact.” Learn more here.
We’re here with you every step of the Journey - Kathleen and Lisa