Everybody is struggling right now

I have just about everything in life I could ask for, and I'm barely holding it together.

Everybody is struggling right now. You don't have to know what's specifically impacting them in order to show compassion.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

If you're in a position to do so (ahem, managers), assume that people are dealing with shit outside of work and proactively give them a break. Tell them to drop a task, or if necessary, everything that's not the highest priority.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

Proactively reduce WIP for your reports, because when we're overwhelmed by ongoing events it's harder to make decisions about what to focus on.

We want to do a good job, but we need your help with planning and prioritizing when stress is impeding our executive function.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

I very much appreciate my managers and senior members of my team right now. Twice in two weeks I've needed to delay work on an internal deadline, and both times the response was "thank you for taking care of yourself."
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

When I dropped the ball on an external commitment and acknowledged that I needed help, there was no "do better next time" or "you need to step up."

Because "just try harder" doesn't address the systemic barriers to accomplishing the task.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

For me, my ADHD combines with outside impediments to executive function until I'm spinning a dozen plates and super overwhelmed.

I know logically how to build systems and follow processes to avoid this, but in the moment when I'm stressed I don't remember to.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

Hence, looking into ADHD coaching.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 27, 2020

And the follow-up thread:

this fuckin week.

fires, a hurricane, armed gunmen in the streets, also ones who aren't cops, an ongoing violent political circus, blatant anti-Blackness everywhere you turn, school starting during a pandemic, and another one of our heroes taken from us way too soon.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020

plus knowing that it's only going to get more painful as we approach the election.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020

Managers, I implore you. Especially for your Black employees. https://t.co/m9CxH3DaqM
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020

How do you do it without patronizing people? If you don't have the most trusting relationship?

Material impact: give them a raise, and then ask them to take a vacation.

This says, "I value you and trust you, but I also know that the world is shit and you might need space rn."
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020

Don't pressure people though. Some folks take solace in work. Some still won't trust you (which is why the raise is important--it has a positive impact without relying on a good relationship).
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020

Be sure to also talk people up when they're not in the room. Praise them to your boss. Strengthen their position in your org.
— shelby reliability engineer (@shelbyspees) August 29, 2020