From:
Roger Harrison rogerh@whidbey.com
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 15:41:36 -0700
Subject: Healing in Working Life
Hi!
As you may remember, I have long had concern for healing the wounds that are caused by rapid change in organizations and in the wider society. I have focused my own practice of organization development in that direction.
I am preparing an updated paper on how individuals can become agents of healing in their work, following on from my recent article in The Organization Development Journal entitled "A Time for Letting Go."
Can you give me any examples of actions that you have performed or have seen others perform that you believe foster healing, health, and wholeness in working life and in organizations?
I am not greatly concerned about the definition of healing, but here are some things people do that I believe foster healing for themselves and others. They come from an early draft of my paper.
* Communicate fully, truthfully, and often, especially about changes. Be open and honest about both good and bad news.
* Take and provide time out, to integrate changes, to come to terms with grief and loss, and to consider the future.
* Create safe spaces for sharing thoughts and feelings. Tell your story, and encourage others to tell their stories and express their feelings.
* Build supportive networks of individuals who trust, honor, nurture and tell the truth to one another.
* Share power and authority. Give others freedom and responsibility. Be open to influence and to learning from others.
* Actively respond to those who suffer losses, offering respect, dignity and compassion, as opposed to isolation, silence and neglect.
* Share the burdens and sacrifices of change evenly throughout the organization.
* Celebrate small successes and triumphs; honor one another's contributions generously.
* Cultivate a deep connection with the natural world, receiving the healing and nurturance which are available in abundance from our fellow creatures.
If you care to reflect at greater length I would be glad of any thoughts you care to share on the trauma of change, and healing in organizations.
And please let me know if you wish a response to your response. I know I'm asking a significant favor, and I'd like to return it in any way I can!
With all good wishes, and grateful thanks for what you will send.
Roger
Roger Harrison
3646 East Redtail Lane
Clinton WA 98236
(360) 579 1805
(360) 579 1798/Fax
E-mail: rogerh@whidbey.com
© 1997 Roger
Harrison, All Rights Reserved
