Rise Up - Strategies to Cultivate Fortitude at Work

“Yes, we need empathy and care, but have people lost the ability to work hard?” this is the murmuring uncertainty of leaders as we move through the later stages of a global pandemic. In this time of workplace stabilization and shifting norms, fortitude is the skill that we all need. Different than resilience, which happens in the aftermath of a disruption, fortitude is the courage we access in the moment to meet a challenge and choose the good.

Fortitude is not just a personal capacity; it emerges from healthy communities. Weaving together stories of fortitude and challenge (while dismantling myths that often surround the concept), workplace empathy expert Liesel Mindrebo Mertes guides participants to access fortitude and to encourage it in one another.

Leaders will learn how to specifically resource, motivate and guide three groups of workers: those who are in crisis, those who are checked out, or those who are always seeking a challenge. Through interactive exercises, participants learn from prior obstacles and look at who they want to be in the workplace. How can those insights lead to greater strength and perspective to meet both personal and professional uncertainty?

Webinar Outline

  • 0:00 - Introduction of the workplace empathy expert, Lisa Metis

Acclaimed for her expertise in understanding and bolstering workplace empathy. Founder of 'Handle with Care' consulting, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction, and attract top talent. Center on topics such as confronting loss, hard conversations, building resilience, managing change fatigue, understanding the impact of empathy on the brain, and acknowledging no disruptions as less significant.

  • 10:00 - Lisa's personal story and discovery of human-centric skills

Shared experiences during her MBA program and the realization of the importance of empathy. The concept of fortitude - The strength activated amid hardship to endure something challenging. The importance of developing fortitude within individuals and teams, with a focus on managers and HR leaders.

  • 30:00 - The role of belonging and practical strategies

Illustrated the power of group belonging in overcoming struggles and thriving. Suggested strategies like 'stoplight check-ins' and self-care initiatives to foster fortitude.

  • 50:00 - Emphasis on workday ending rituals and behavior alignment

The significance of having meaningful rituals signaling the end of the workday. Encourage pondering on the question, "Who do you want to be at work and in life?" for improved behavior alignment.

  • 70:00 - Dealing with different workplace groups and emotional gaps

Advised on supporting the three different groups in the workplace: the checked-out, the challengers, and the ones in crisis. Highlighted the importance of recognizing emotional gaps through a personal story about dealing with anger. She suggests using self-reflective questions to access one's inner wisdom and resources during difficult times.

  • 90:00 - Concluding remarks: Embracing Stories and Focusing on Gratitude

Elaborated on the power of personal narratives during hardships and the importance of gratitude. Encouragement to craft a 'Fortitude Forward' community - one that uplifts and powers through difficult moments collectively.