Caring for the Communicator — an invitation, conversation and two fantastic communicators you need to know
As a communicator, I still have trouble putting on my own oxygen mask first.
Looking back over the past 30 years, I’ve had a habit of putting the health of the companies and organizations I’ve worked for ahead of my own mental and physical health – often to my detriment. I wish I would have been a bit smarter about my own self-care. I wish I would have asked for help.
One mistake I made was thinking that the stress of my role was a deficiency on my part. Early on, I thought that a bit more toughness and determination was needed. Work harder was my response.
Here’s the truth: As communicators, we often find ourselves in situations that are simply brutal, out of our control and overwhelming.
There’s a fine line between challenge and struggle. And communicators can have a tough time of it, in that we can often work with issues that are cloaked in privacy and confidentiality rules. So, talking about these issues isn’t so easy. Casual opportunities to connect are sometimes off the table, when you’re managing a crisis, working late hours, always on-call, and feeling stressed and under pressure.
Your mental and physical wellbeing can be at risk. These things deserve space and room in our lives. We need to talk about these issues more. Maybe one of the reasons we don’t talk about it is because we’re so busy and always on deadline for everyone else. That’s why I’ve asked two communicators who have made caring for the communicator an important part of their lives to share their insights.
I’ve asked Leanne and Mark to join me for an online conversation March 13 about caring for the communicator, and you’re most welcome to join us. My goal is to start a conversation and share some practical ways that we can keep our own mental and physical wellbeing front and center.
I am thankful for the work they have done to shed light on the need to protect, support and invest in the wellbeing of the communicator. For now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to these two:
Meet Leanne Ehren, a communication specialist and mental health and wellbeing advocate. A few years ago, I read the story of one communicator in the United Kingdom who laid out this issue in such a meaningful way. I’m thankful for her. Her story rang true and helped me focus on what I think is incredibly important work in the next chapter of my career – caring for the communicator. She is simply fantastic. Read more about her perspective here on my blog.
Meet Mark Mohammadpour, APR. He’s building a fitness coaching business for communication professionals. I love his focus and direction. He’s the owner of Chasing the Sun Health Coaching. Read about his perspective here.
While challenge sharpens our skills, struggle seems to have a way of pushing proper self-care just out of our grasp. We need more advocates like Leanne and Mark. I’m thinking we can change this together, one conversation at a time. Join us on March 13.
Talk to you soon.