Firm Pollution

When we hear about pollution, we naturally think of the physical environment.  But what about the environment in your firm? Could it be tainted by pollutants as well? I’m speaking about the relational and emotional environment with your colleagues and staff.

I remember when my office was surrounded by a tax manager and an audit manager, so I witnessed the impact of all the compression seasons. As you can imagine, I also saw a lot of stress.

Firm Polluters

In the midst of stressful times, I noticed that the staff, managers and partners sorted themselves into two groups.  One group was made up of those who were really struggling.  They moaned about how busy they were, how stressed they were and tired they were. And rightly so. Compression season was in full swing. I felt sorry for them because I knew from my own practice the seasonal ebb and flow of work. They were frayed around the edges and it showed.

Firm Environmentalists

That’s why the other group was so noticeable. These were the ones who were under the same pressures and deadlines but expressed a different demeanor. They were steady and reassuring, working through the intensity of the moment and not allowing it to rule over them. Their “green” approach edged out the negative pollution.

In addition, this second group was not the rah-rah people, prancing up and down the hallway encouraging and inspiring others.  They were usually quieter, less assuming folks who had been through a number compression seasons. From their experience, they matured in their ability to stabilize themselves and thereby steady those around them.

Their attitude of calm perseverance was infectious and steadied the atmosphere of the office.  They still commiserated with others because they were feeling it too. But they refused to be overwhelmed by the moment.

Pollution Clean Up

Today, it’s different and more difficult. In a hybrid and remote environment, people are working on their own and don’t have the benefit of others to help them through the oppressive stress. If they haven’t developed the stabilizing disciplines themselves, they suffer more—by themselves. They are less likely to maintain an even keel of mental health and high productivity.

When you and your team are stressed, be attentive that you don’t pollute the environment. Additional pollution and negativity won’t change the situation and only infects people adversely. Instead, take a “green” approach and help prevent pollution in your firm.