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Everyone is in Grief, What is Your Process?
Everyone is in a state of grief, what is your process?
During these times of extreme uncertainty, I have followed a tried and true process that has greatly helped with all clients as well as clients in grief. When we became acutely aware of the times ahead, I dug my heels in and went over my training and process with clients in grief. I would like to leave you with a few items from my process that I have used with clients now and in the past. Although, we cannot guarantee the times ahead, we can ease the feelings associated with financial uncertainty. I have used this process so often that I feel like I prepare for this every time I work with a grieving client absent the Corona Virus.
Identification of a client’s position in the grief process. I think there is no disputing that our clients are in:
Shock and Denial—This stage comes with a certain level of self preservation. Shock and denial is a coping mechanism in which the body protects itself in order to deal with the immediacy of what has happened. (Hoarding toilet paper would be an example of self preservation) Anxiety may also come with this stage as fear of things to come.
I went to Episode 6 and Episode 10 of the Advisor’s Guide to Grieving Clients to understand how to help clients. Episode 6 explains the process of communicating to clients. Episode 10 outlines workflows.
1. Communication—have you outlined your current communication strategy to stay ahead of your clients. A tip from the training is to communicate early, often and have a defined process.
2. Workflows—do you have one and have you implemented it as soon as the onset of this current dilemma?
Many folks have asked me if I have a lot of clients that are panicking during this time. The answer is no. Due to the process I use with each client, we prepare a lot for the unknown both financially as well as with life itself. I hope this tidbit of information helps you during these times.