Bringing Vulnerability to Work: A Non Profit Leader and a Police Officer
Jan 29, 2025
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Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America, shares her journey through trauma and addiction, emphasizing the need for vulnerability in leadership. Bobby Hoffman, Chief Deputy at the Hampden Sheriff’s Office, discusses his innovative use of therapy dogs to promote mental health among officers. Together, they tackle the challenges of emotional expression in the workplace, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of compassion in law enforcement. Their insights highlight the power of supportive relationships in fostering healing and connection.
Acknowledge the impact of personal trauma on workplace behavior to foster empathy and support among colleagues.
Leaders shape mental health culture by openly discussing their struggles, promoting psychological safety and encouraging employee engagement.
Innovative approaches like therapy dogs can enhance employee well-being and facilitate positive interactions in high-stress work environments.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trauma in the Workplace
Individuals often carry their life experiences, including trauma, into the workplace, which can affect their performance and mental health. The discussion highlights how personal histories influence workplace behavior, sometimes leading to hypervigilance and anxiety, as exemplified by a story of dealing with panic attacks from a young age. Understanding these struggles can foster empathy and recognition among colleagues, paving the way for a more supportive work environment. Acknowledging these challenges openly not only normalizes mental health discussions but also encourages individuals to seek help and share their stories.
Leadership and Mental Health Awareness
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture around mental health, and their openness about personal struggles can set a powerful example for employees. A key strategy involves creating a culture that emphasizes acceptance and support, allowing staff to share their experiences without fear of stigma. This initiative helps to build a sense of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health issues. Leaders who approach mental health discussions with authenticity can inspire their teams to engage more openly, ensuring a compassionate workplace.
Substance Use and Stigma
Substance use disorders are common in the workplace, yet they often carry a greater stigma compared to mental health issues. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of substance use as part of a continuum rather than a binary view of addiction versus sobriety. There is an urgent requirement for organizations to address these challenges holistically, recognizing the connections between mental health and substance use. Providing resources and support, while using inclusive language, can create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help.
The Healing Power of Therapy Dogs
Incorporating therapy dogs into the workplace can significantly improve employee well-being and mental health. One example highlighted is a police department's adoption of a comfort dog, which not only alleviates stress for staff but also fosters positive interactions with the community. The presence of a therapy dog creates a calming atmosphere, helping to bridge connections and ease tension in challenging work situations. Such initiatives demonstrate that unconventional approaches to mental health can have profound and positive impacts in high-stress environments.
Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership
Leaders often face emotional challenges and the pressure to maintain professionalism while managing their own mental health. The discussion addresses the importance of self-awareness and recognizing personal vulnerabilities, which helps leaders avoid burnout and model healthy behaviors. By surrounding themselves with supportive peers who can provide constructive feedback, they can maintain balance and foster resilience. This recognition of emotional challenges in leadership contributes to a healthier organizational culture, encouraging open communication about mental health among all employees.
We all bring our trauma with us to work every day. But if we build the right culture and relationships, we can also bring vulnerability and healing. If you’ve felt like you have to hide a huge part of yourself at work, this episode is for you.
First, Morra speaks with Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America, about how her trauma from her youth impact the way she works and leads today; and her expertise around addiction and the workplace. Then, we hear from Bobby Hoffman, chief deputy at the Hampden Massachusetts County Sheriff’s Office, who is part of a program bringing therapy dogs to the often macho and not-so-mental health friendly work of policing.
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