My learnings from 2023
" To misname things is to add to the world's suffering. "
Albert Camus
If I take away one learning from 2023, it is this phrase by Camus: "To name well is key."
The commitment to neutrality
Maintaining professional neutrality when conflicts tear the world apart is an extremely delicate exercise. As a coach and supervisor, I claim total neutrality, while Gilles the citizen has his own opinions on these matters. Moreover, sometimes using inclusive writing without being labeled “Woke” becomes a real challenge: finding the right balance while remaining nuanced is necessary to practice our profession.
Bringing back humor and irony
I encourage you to watch or re-watch the excellent film by Albert Dupontel, Au Revoir Là-haut, which manages to bring irony and laughter to a subject as serious as the 1914–1918 war and its consequences on the “broken faces” (war veterans with facial injuries). For example, if you have relational difficulties with a toxic manager, giving them a nickname can help you distance yourself and reposition yourself more positively in relation to them.
In short, I try not to take myself too seriously and to bring back lightness and care, in order to better navigate this very anxiety-provoking period.
Ecology
I have taken back control of my schedule and found time to nourish myself intellectually. Among my great book recommendations: La chute by Camus, La civilisation du poisson rouge by Bruno Patino, Les choses humaines by Karine Tuil, or Dysphoria mundi by Paul B. Preciado.
Unfortunately, I realized that the “Colibri strategy” (small individual actions) does not work! At least not enough, and I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to encourage the system to become more virtuous. Alexis Nicolas, a consultant in responsible digital practices, talks about “the aesthetics of sobriety.” So I wonder if the word “sobriety” will soon be accepted and generalized...
Openness
Remaining open despite the desire to withdraw is key to strengthening creativity and energy. For me, reconnecting with art has been essential: I really like the world created by Aleksandar Petrovic, whose motto is “Poetry, Dream, and Action.”
Staying curious
I took time to explore AI and observe the new support-related professions emerging because I have a conviction: AI will disrupt our profession despite our strong need for human connection.
Our challenge with accelerating transformations
Complexity and uncertainty remain very high; climate change will push us to change faster and more iteratively. So how can we keep our direction, good humor, and lightness when the pressure of accelerating change is constant?
We, as support professionals, will have to better meet this challenge in the coming years alongside sociologists, philosophers, psychologists, therapists, trainers, and of course change consultants.
I thank many of you for reading me and providing very enriching feedback (feedback is a gift). I especially thank the Be&Lead team for their great commitment, and of course all our clients who have trusted us for more than 20 years in some cases.
I wish you a 2024 full of learning, questioning, and of course health, love, sharing, and joy!
With passion, your trainer, your guide,
Gilles
#transformation #executivecoaching #executivesupervision #care #collective #leadership