New York Lawyer
October 11, 2001

Q:
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack, I have two people in my practice group -- one partner, one associate -- who lost several friends between them.

The associate is down in the dumps but seems to be functioning okay. The partner is having a very difficult time, though. He just can�t seem to shake off his sorrow, anxiety, guilt and fear. He�s not only getting very little work done, but when he does produce something, it�s all over the place. I suggested some time off, but he refused, saying he had to keep busy.

I�m a little worried that if this doesn�t change in the reasonably near future, I�ll have to do something about it, but of course I don�t want to upset him further. (He�s been a super performer in the past.) How can I cope with this so I walk the fine line between supporting him and pushing him a little bit onward?

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A:
Unfortunately, this is going to be a common problem in many workplaces for weeks and months to come. Mental health professionals are warning that some people will take longer to recover than others.

�Intense feelings after the World Trade Center disaster are normal and they can surface unexpectedly,� comments Celia Paul of New York�s Celia Paul Associates, a career adviser to lawyers who has been doing grief counseling since the WTC disaster. �As in any significant loss or tragedy, individuals may have trouble concentrating, sleeping or eating (too little or too much) or controlling their emotions (they may cry spontaneously). These feelings will dwindle as time passes, unless the person has previously existing problems intensified by the tragedy. Some symptoms of distress -- including difficulty concentrating, making decisions, forgetting things, working too much, working erratically, missing deadlines -- may not surface until later.�

In the short term, listen, be patient, offer solace, and don�t do the �get over it� routine or say that �things will get better.� And don�t try to fix things; you can�t fix what�s bothering him. In the longer term, be very concrete about directions, more so than was necessary in past, perhaps reminding him a little more about assignments and deadlines, and ensuring that he works more in teams than he does independently. If you can help keep him focused it will help divert him temporarily from his grief and give a semblance of normalcy.

�You as a manager can also discuss other ways that the individual may be able to self-heal,� adds Paul. �This could include any activity -- such as rewarding career interests -- which absorb and distract attention from the tragedy.� And you can, of course, suggest professional help if his depression persists. Free counseling is being offered by many New York City organizations, including the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis (NPAP), 150 W. 13 Street, 212-262-5978.

I�d be wary about �pushing him onward.� You will probably have to react to his timetable rather than imposing your own. Help this �super performer� ride out a difficult time.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work