Before the Snap
When Pressure Shows and Action Matters
Six-foot-five and full of muscle, my brother plonked himself down on my Danish Deluxe leather couch. SNAP! He broke the front rail and did a bloody good job of it.
And as with the wooden rail of some couches, so too are the mental and emotional rails of people.
Sometimes the load that lands can have a more immediate snapping effect, but more often, it seems to be caused by an increasing load buildup over time.
Many years ago, a good friend observed a change in me, saying my occasional dark days were starting to string together—signs that load was accumulating—and that I would do well to see a psychologist. Her observation was spot on, and I did as I was told. It was good advice.
She noticed a deviation from the norm and encouraged me to seek help.
Many managers and key personnel I have coached have had a senior leader observe this deviation from the norm and have reached out for my help. (And sometimes it’s the business owner who has noticed the changes in themselves). These are all good people with good intentions. It’s just that the load has increased to the point where things have started to wobble—the internal rails are becoming increasingly stressed. They want to ensure a strengthening before a snap. Wise!
In the many years of working with myself and others, I think the early signs matter and that it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
Ray
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ray@rayhodge.com.au; www.rayhodge.com.au; +61 403 341 105
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Just as important is the willingness to receive feedback from those in your trusted circle, and to see it as care and concern, rather than criticism.
Thanks, Dean. Always love your perspective.