1. I mistook detachment for professionalism

Surrounded by a big non-profit with its own workplace culture, it’s very easy to mistake detachment with professionalism.

Professionalism is there to keep people safe; you, the other person on the line, your supervisor. It’s incredibly important! Yet it’s NOT there to shut down compassion or empathy. Setting boundaries and discussing what’s appropriate (or not!) are skills that can be learned and applied both firmly and gently.

It goes a long way to do more than recommended, read that extra book, listen to that off-beat podcast someone mentioned and above all; reflect on your work.

2. My organisation doesn’t need another robot, it needs me

All of us start out robotic.

We’re afraid to take risks because we don’t want to get things wrong. The stakes are high! All of that is not only okay, it’s normal and even expected.

Your organisation gave you a lot;

• Frameworks
• Models
• Decision tools

What you bring is most important;

• You

What people on the other end really need is you. The authentic, genuine, humorous, complex person you are.

It’s a scary process but if you open up to the lessons, crisis support will teach you so much about yourself.