Temper ~ Paradox in the COVID Era

TY Chuck Annable for the photo

I love paradoxes and oxymorons; they get us to extend our comfort zone. So, I started thinking about the word “temper.”*  [Aside ~ my mom felt English was the inanest language on earth - the same sounding word was spelled and meant too many different things (write, right, rite, etc.).  In all fairness, English was her 7th language].

Temper has several noun and verb meanings that are contradictory.

Since COVID-19 started, we’re juggling many different jobs, tasks, emotions, needs, skills, ideas, plans, people, and circumstances simultaneously. The paradox of Temper is obvious.  We’re trying to balance being calm, consistent, resilient at work for those we lead and manage and/or at home while inside we may be angry, frustrated, and exhausted.  We are the counterbalance to the angst and fear our employees and peers feel.  As leaders, we’re constantly tuning the pulse of the organization to keep it going, growing, hopefully thriving.  We have to be as strong as steel and vulnerable (elastic?) enough so others feel safe and free to come to us. 

Mackerel Sky ~ Pemaquid, ME

Everything seems to be a paradox today.  Life has always been paradoxical, it’s just more ‘in your face’ today than  before COVID-19. In pre-COVID-19 days, embracing paradox was not as painful (usually).  During COVID-19, it’s darn hard.  My hope for you is that, in one of the rare calmer moments, any learning from and during this time can take root, so when you come out on the other side, you can use that new wisdom and insight for good - for your family, your team, your company, yourself.

Wear your mask, keep your distance, be safe.

*Many thanks & love to Ryan Brown, one of my bluest blue lobsters, for our discussion about ‘temper’ & for the lasting legacy of his work & passion that is still positively changing Brown University’s School of Engineering!!!