Watching SAS Who Dares Wins the other day and I was struck by what at first seemed a very simple act of empathy and compassion.
One of the contestants was exhausted and clearly suffering. This triggered some horrible memories for one of the other contestants – a big, muscular lorry driver.
I was struck by two things:
1) the second contestant sought out advice and guidance from one of the DS (Directing Staff). A great example of what on the face of it was a macho male in a very macho environment being prepared to get help. He confided that he “felt different to everyone else” and really doubted himself.
2) the advice from the DS (a man who has struggled with his own demons) was not to quit, but to “stay here and find out” if he could get past the self-doubt.
I don’t know if that was the right advice – though instinctively it felt right to me – but if we’re encouraging men to share their fears, then it won’t always be with an expert or in a situation where careful analysis can be carried out. I loved the compassion and empathy that was shown by the DS and that’s was powerful.
Many of us feel stretched, under-pressure and lacking emotional resilience at the moment. So please remember to find someone to talk to if it might help. And feel free to get in touch with me if you want.
Andy.