Stage 7: Renewal

Work groups and teams enter the renewal stage when projects get completed; when they experience large organizational changes and re-structuring; when there are policy shifts that affect the team’s mission or function; or when members come and go.

Change necessitates new responses. Renewal is essential for fast-paced work that can burn people out. Investing in renewal also creates real dividends when new teams form and can bring forward learning and insight from prior experience (Sibbet, 2002, p. 183).

The stress associated with change is a common denominator in all workplaces; however, individuals working in social service environments—the “helping professions”—are exposed to another layer of stressors that chips away at their resiliency and well-being. The ravages of burnout are exacerbated on a team that has low trust and fragmented psychological safety. These challenges are compounded by the cumulative effects of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue—two sources of stress that are unique (at least in magnitude) to the helping professions. Some of the following resources specifically address vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

The Role of the Leader

"In your own life, you should take particular care with endings, for their colour will forever tinge your memory of the entire relationship and your willingness to re-enter it."

                                                                                                     MARTIN SELIGMAN