Staying Cool at Work
- Meredith Leigh Moore
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Letter from Meredith
When it’s hot outside, temperatures inside can spike, as well. This month, I’m thinking about conflict at work, because summertime’s easy-going reputation can be deceptive. Yes it’s typically vacation season, a time filled with more kicking back and enjoying cold ones at the barbecue. But the stretch between the 4th of July and Labor Day can also be a source of stress: picking up the slack for vacationing colleagues; pressure to change your out-of-office plans to accommodate a deadline; and slower response times from that one person you really need to move a project forward. Plus, there are occasional heat spikes with the weather, and when its sweltering tempers can flare. I mean, we’re only human!
Compromise and collaboration are often cited as the ticket to resolving workplace conflict, but they focus on damage control; I prefer to focus on prevention. That’s why this year our team took a week offline to replenish our energies. Here are three tips that can help you and your workplace team enjoy a more harmonious summer:
● Clear Communication. Set up an Out-of-office calendar so everyone knows who’s going to be out and when; make OOO announcements part of your weekly team meetings.
● Set Expectations. Coordinate with your team and clients on what needs to be finalized before they go offline and schedule a pre-vacation check-in to ensure everything is covered. Let your team know your plans to stay connected through a daily email check-in, or what to do if you’re completely logged out.
● Delegate. Make sure there’s another team member available and equipped to pick up the slack as needed, and then set up clear expectations for them, too.
How do you approach summer at work? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you! While a number of organizations are evolving their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, we’re seeing a recommitment to creating a culture of listening. None of us knows exactly what comes next, but many of us are still committed to the underlying values of making sure everyone has access to the same opportunities.
If you want to create space for inclusion in your workplace, here are some ideas:
Listen first. Leaders can demonstrate a psychologically safe environment by ensuring team members have a space to speak candidly. Make time for one-on-one check-ins and ask open-ended questions about others’ experiences and how they want to be supported.
Make recommendations. Show your support and ingenuity by brainstorming thoughtful ideas to encourage greater engagement. Consider sharing your innovative ideas with decision makers to help your organization take action.
Create value-aligned work. Taking action looks different for each organization. Last week, our Leverette Weekes team sprinted on a special project for a client. Going the extra mile and rallying for a cause we care about made us feel productive. Ask your team what will help them stay energized and create space for team members to share about their experiences and interests.
What does inclusivity at work mean to you? How do you continue to engage with the work, even when it’s hard? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Client Wins
BeNOLA - Black Education for New Orleans
There's been a lot of great news for past client BeNOLA this month. They were featured in Black Enterprise magazine for their Black is Brilliant Digital Syllabus, and BeNOLA’s website and monthly newsletter were named one of the Top 40 Black Nonprofit Blogs on the web by Feedspot. Executive Director Adrinda Kelly graced the Global Black Economic Forum stage at Essence, discussing the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the state of education 20 years later.
Read the full article here: https://www.essence.com/news/20-years-after-hurricane-katrina-what-it-taught-us/
Pritzker Traubert Foundation
Huge congratulations to Pritzker Traubert Foundation President Cindy Moelis for being recognized as one of the more impactful leaders in philanthropy in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Words Create Wins
Whether we’re providing communications, coaching, events, or media relations services, Leverette Weekes is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations. Schedule a discovery call to see how we can help your organization level up.
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