This solo episode was, in part, inspired by a post from Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg. In the post Sheryl addressed a policy she implemented at Facebook to give employees additional days of bereavement leave - 20 days total. But what had a deeper impact for me was how Sheryl shared her own personal experience of going through the sudden loss of her husband at the end of 2015, and how hard that was and still is for her. Having lost my father, my mother, and my sister Lori just a little over a year ago, I know a lot about loss and grief, and what an intense journey it can be.

In a business with employees, it is important to have policies and parameters around people showing up at work, in the face of losses or other life changing events. In this episode I talk about how business leaders and influencers can create a work environment that is more conducive to allowing people to be human beings.

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:02] In the midst of bereavement, life goes on.

[6:56] Are the conditions in which we work conducive to us being human?

[10:14] If you want to connect with people, you have to let them see you laugh and cry.

[12:49] Technology has changed the way we work.

[13:54] Being present at work when your mind is calling you elsewhere.

[15:15] How going through an experience can change your perspective.

[21:36] We are always influencing the environment around us.

 

Resources:

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins on Twitter

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg