Starting the conversation
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Journalists | Editors and Managers | Peer-to-Peer | Downloadable Worksheet
Jouranlists
For Journalists: Approaching an Editor or Manager
When workload feels unsustainable
- “I’d like to talk about my current workload and whether there are ways to adjust priorities.”
- “I’m noticing that I’m having difficulty recovering between assignments. Can we discuss what’s on my plate?”
- “I want to be proactive before burnout becomes an issue. Can we talk through my upcoming assignments?”
After a difficult assignment
- “That story affected me more than I anticipated. I’d appreciate an opportunity to debrief.”
- “I’m finding myself thinking about this assignment long after work hours. I’d like to discuss strategies for managing that.”
- “I’d like to check in about how I’m processing some of the material from this reporting.”
Requesting support
- “What support resources are available for staff who have covered difficult stories?”
- “I’d benefit from some time to reset after this assignment. Can we discuss options?”
- “I’d like to explore ways to maintain my effectiveness while also protecting my wellbeing.”
Editors and managers
For Editors and Managers: “Opening the Door”
Routine check-ins
- “How are you doing—not just with the story, but with the work overall?”
- “Is there anything about this assignment that’s weighing on you?”
- “What support would help you do this work sustainably?”
Before a difficult assignment
- “What concerns do you have going into this assignment?”
- “Let’s talk through both the reporting challenges and any personal challenges you anticipate.”
- “What would make you feel best prepared for this coverage?”
After a difficult assignment
- “Which part of this assignment was most challenging for you?”
- “How are you feeling after completing this story?”
- “Is there anything we should think about differently before your next assignment?”
Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-Peer Conversations
Checking in with a colleague
- “You’ve been handling a lot lately. How are you doing?”
- “How are you feeling after that assignment?”
- “Is there anything you’d like to talk through?”
- “What’s helping you manage right now?”
Offering support
- “I’m here if you’d like to debrief.”
- “Would it help to talk through what you’re experiencing?”
- “How can I support you this week?”
Reporting with Resilience provides real-world tools and case studies to help journalists prepare for, withstand, and recover from the risks of their work.
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