During this challenging time we’ve heard from many clients that are wondering the same thing…“What can I do? “Am I doing enough?” In fact, we’re getting a lot of these enough-ness questions from numerous people—and you may be asking yourself the same things. Therefore, we thought you might like to hear what the emerging female family leaders we serve are concerned about by outlining some questions we’re hearing and sharing our thoughts. Our hope is that you get a little more insight into how your clients are feeling in order to better serve them.
1. Am I doing enough for my people?
What we share with clients
Remember this is an unprecedented time, and what is enough anyway? Don’t let the enormity of the problem overwhelm the good you can and already are doing. Double reminder: Resources don’t necessarily have to come in the form of money. A phone call, a note, or a text can mean the world to someone in need right now.
What you as an advisor can glean
As we remind people all the time, start with acknowledging their pain. This could look like: “I am so sorry you are going through this right now, you must be feeling pretty scared.” Your ability to help someone access their feelings without fixing them will bring clarity and therefore some relief. We can’t start to change something we haven’t yet named.
2. Am I doing enough at my job?
What we share with clients
You’ve likely got a million new responsibilities right now—homeschooling, anyone? Maybe you just need this viral tweet as a reminder: “You are not working from home; you are at your home during a crisis, trying to work.” Did anyone else need to hear that?
What you as an advisor can glean
Acknowledge that as your clients’ priorities may have shifted, yours probable have as well. Communicate expectations and new turn-around times. Look for ways you can be of support (and give examples, don’t expect them to know how you can be useful).
3. Should I be doing more to work on myself?
What we share with clients
Some people respond to uncertainty with structure and control and others need time and freedom to process and feel their feelings. BOTH ARE PERFECT! It’s important to remember that this is such an individual circumstance that has to do with privilege, race, family situation, etc. No need to compare yourself with others; instead, tap into your essential self and look for what’s right for you right now.
What you as an advisor can glean
Exactly the same as above, repeat often!
What is enough anyway? Perhaps we’re asking the wrong question! When you find yourself asking a question that starts with “should” or “enough” this could be a good opportunity to reframe it as a more useful question, for example: What’s most important to me right now? What can I do in this moment, with what I have, to move forward?