As coronavirus impacts the workforce, I’m volunteering to make a difference
Sarah, one of Empower Work’s volunteers, is a senior manager in marketing operations at a retail company. She recently shared that she’s been using her skills of listening and coaching others even more as the novel coronavirus has impacted her team, her company, and her community.
What inspired you to become a volunteer?
I was thrilled by the opportunity to grow my professional skills and become a better listener, coach, and manager. When I learned about the comprehensive training program and listening-based coaching model, I knew this was a special opportunity to learn how to support others. Throughout my career, I’ve received coaching and mentorship from several fantastic individuals, and this has allowed me to make better-informed decisions and have stronger satisfaction in my career choices.
“I’ve always believed in paying-it-forward, and Empower Work offers a platform to support so many people who might not have free or immediate access to mentorship or coaching. ”
What was the most valuable part of the training for you?
I appreciate that the training incorporates critical thinking exercises that challenge you to carefully listen to the person you're supporting. Listening is such a fundamental component of great counseling and coaching, and the Empower Work training program helped me cultivate an appreciation for thoughtfully examining the root cause of the individual’s situation.
How have you used skills you’ve learned, particularly right now as coronavirus has shifted life?
With the uncertainty of coronavirus impacting us all, listening, offering validation, and helping reframe situations are skills I’m leaning on to support family, friends, and colleagues. I’m consciously focusing on the individual vs. the situation, whether I’m supporting my direct report at work who’s acclimating to homeschooling her children, or helping a friend navigate their feelings after a breakup. The Empower Work training model and techniques on asking powerful questions are helping me shift from giving “advice” towards asking questions that help reframe the situation and enable the individual to dig deeper and arrive at solutions themselves.
Why do you think accessible work support is so important?
I’ve benefited from great coaching and mentorship and understand how life-changing it can be. Growing up as a first-generation American, I did not have family members that I could leverage for workplace advice. I relied on the generosity of friends’ parents and distant contacts to help navigate through the various workplace situations. Empower Work is helping level the playing field for those like myself, who are often the “firsts” and don’t have immediate support to bounce ideas off, process tough situations, and explore options.
“As coronavirus impacts the global workforce, Empower Work plays an important role in offering unique resources to communities that might not otherwise have them. ”
What would you tell other people thinking about becoming volunteers?
Sign up now! This is a really special movement and cause. If you’re inspired by the mission and/or want to sharpen your professional skills, this is an incredible organization that offers a safe space to grow, learn, and give back to others.
