Stages of Grief

One of the earliest theories of Grief was that we experienced it in discrete stages. In fact though, the author of this theory never proposed it in relation to grief of the bereaved. It was proposed in relation to what we might experience as we approach our own death.

Because the stage theory is still quite often referenced in the media, it remains popular. And unfortunately, that can create unfair expectations and assessments for how someone is “managing” with their grief at work. Several leaders I interviewed for my Leading through Loss project told me that they felt everyone was watching them. And that’s what brought this image to mind.