You Are Not A Frog

Dr Naren Senthil Nathan joins us to talk about what makes it hard for people to talk about their feelings. He shares that the first step is acknowledging your problems and knowing that there is nothing wrong with seeking help. If you know people who are struggling, remember that they need to feel comfortable with talking about their struggles first. Episode Highlights[04:52] The State of Mental Health Today Mental health is not widely discussed and is still considered taboo in many cultures. [08:12] Why People Find it Hard to Ask for Help Many people are not taught to express and talk to people about their feelings.[10:01] What Happens When People Suppress Their IssuesSuppression of issues can affect relationships and lead to unsafe practices at work. [12:54] Gender Differences When Asking for Help Unfortunately, many men today are not open and don’t talk about their problems and mental health matters. [17:49] Why Men are More VulnerableMen don’t open up because of pride and fear. [23:52] How to Practice Vulnerability Opening up to others can lead to reciprocity and form tribes, where you support each other.[29:08] How to Help Others  Keep engaging with others and let them know it’s okay to talk. [33:31] Signs to Look Out For Learning to spot signs of distress starts with knowing people’s baseline behaviours. [36:31] How to Help Others With Mental Health Matters Outside of Professional Help  Create safe environments for them to feel comfortable about sharing feelings. [39:13] Naren’s Top Three Tips For Encouraging Vulnerability Acknowledge that you have an issue, and do not beat yourself up about it. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Learn to open up with others about your feelings.[40:07] Where to Get HelpLoads of services are available for free in the UK. For example, GP-S is a free service by GPs for GPs. Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Sign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Are you interested to join our You Are Not A Frog retreat? Or perhaps you have some questions about failure. Drop us an email at hello@youarenotafrog.com to let us know!Become a member of the Resilient Team Academy! Sign-ups are open until the third of November.Check out the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management if you want to attend the Leaders in Healthcare conference.Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Dr Joanna Bircher talks about essential leadership skills and the impact of our personalities, motivations, and strengths on our teams. She explains why you need to act like a leader even if you think you are not one, and gives brilliant advice on becoming more self-aware. Episode Highlights[05:54] You Are a Leader, Even if You Don’t Think You Are Even if you're a trainee in a company,  you have an impact on your team. [08:56] Joanna’s Leadership Journey Leadership is not about knowing everything. It’s about exploring new ideas together with your team.A leader listens, collaborates, and makes good decisions.[14:00] How to Recognise CollaborationAs a leader, it is your job to bring out others' opinions during discussions. [15:21] How to Develop Self-AwarenessYou can build a much better team if you focus on your strengths and those of your members.We must develop our strengths rather than our weaknesses. [22:26] Finding Your Strengths Being self-aware means that you recognise the good and bad effects of your strengths. Remember that the brighter you shine, the more shadow you cast.  [26:41] The Dilemma of HierarchyNo matter what kind of leader you are, power imbalance will always be there. When people are silent in meetings, the problem is often with your method, not with the people in the room.[35:51] The Importance of Knowing Your Team’s Personality Profile Your team’s strengths and motivations affect their job satisfaction and joy in work. [38:41] Developing Active Listening Real listening isn’t just about waiting for your turn to talk. [40:58] Being Genuinely Curious It’s better if you actively engage with people and help them come up with an answer on their own. [42:35] Joanna’s Top 3 Tips to Be a Better LeaderGenuinely believe that you're not the person with the best idea.Learn how to listen and continue to practise it.Everybody in the room with you has their own ideas. Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Sign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout.Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Are you interested to join our You Are Not A Frog retreat? Or perhaps you have some questions about failure. Drop us an email at hello@youarenotafrog.com to let us know!Check out the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management if you want to attend the Leaders in Healthcare conference. Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

In this episode, we hear from the expert in conflict management and mediation, Jane Gunn. She discusses important tips to keep in mind in order to host great meetings. Jane also shares some practical conflict management tips and how to make decisions that you and your team agree on. Episode Highlights[04:14] Why You Avoid ConflictYou may be afraid of your emotions or unconfident to navigate difficult conversations.[05:26] The Skill of Conflict ManagementThere are four ways to deal with conflict: fight, flight, freeze, or appease.[08:03] Conflict Management Within TeamsConflict is necessary.  Some teams have too much, whereas others have too little.[09:46] The Power of Resolution Rethinking in Conflict ManagementNemawashi is a process of digging deep into issues to determine their impact on all sides.[12:22] The Importance of Consultations in Conflict ManagementConsulting in conflict management others allows people to feel heard. [15:51] Uncovering ConcernsA concern can be addressed during the meeting or through a personal follow-up with the concerned individual.  [17:04] Framing a MeetingSet rules and expectations for the flow of the meeting.[18:44] The Elephant in the RoomAn anonymous poll can help people overcome the fear of speaking up.[23:30] Uncovering Conflict and Conflict Management in a Meeting Be clear on your criteria for making decisions within your team to avoid others from deciding based on their own viewpoint.[26:52] What Your Feelings are Trying to Tell YouIntuitive feelings serve to remind you to take the time to think rather than rushing a decision.[32:21] Hosting a Meeting Like a Dinner PartyTry to make it both fun and functional.[38:44] Your Role as a Participant in Meetings and Conflict ManagementAs a participant, you can use this structure: listen, don’t interrupt, and reflect back.[45:04] Our Responsibility as ProfessionalsWe have a responsibility to run effective meetings.[46:30] Top Three Tips for Making Meetings BetterThink about the meeting as a dinner party, make the meeting fun and functional, and find ways to let everybody have a voice and participate.[47:29] The Power of Resolutionary ThinkingThe course focuses on creating a better understanding of how we can manage change, crisis and conflict.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Sign up here for more FREE resources.Become a member of the Resilience Team Academy! Sign-ups are open until the third of November.Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Annie Hanekom joins us to share the three important conversations you need to have — with yourself and with others — to help you get unstuck. We discuss the importance of having meaningful conversations and the weight it carries on your mindset and wellbeing.Episode Highlights[03:23] The Importance of Meaningful ConversationsThe conversation is the relationship and thus carries a lot of weight.[06:43] What People Are Going Through NowThere seems to be a lag in people’s behaviours because of exhaustion.Physical fatigue can be fixed by rest, whereas depletion needs social connection.[11:56] What’s In Your Control?If you start focusing on the things you can control, that zone of power grows and helps you feel empowered.[18:41] The Power of Focusing on What You Can ControlFocus on what you can really control and trust in the process.[20:26] Where Is Your Focus?Are the things you’re focusing on driving you towards the things that really matter?[23:34] The Danger of Being Addicted to BusynessBeing busy does make people feel good about themselves, but only temporarily.It could easily lead to burnout and severe fatigue.[28:23] Focusing on the Long-TermHow you achieve things might look different if you focus on your zone of power.[31:13] Thinking PartnershipsThinking partnerships is where you have meaningful conversations with a partner. These allow you to uncover a sustainable, useful solution to your conundrum.[36:10] What Story Are You Telling?By starting conversations with ‘The story I’m telling myself…’, you begin to address the fact that the story may not be true.[40:52] Determining Your IntentionsDig deeper into your intentions and reflect on what you want to achieve in your conversation.[44:09] Annie’s Three Top TipsPause and catch yourself.Pay attention to your intentions.Focus on the long-term possibilities.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Sign up here for more FREE resources.Are you a leader in health or social care? Know how to build a robust team through difficult times without burning out yourself by registering for our free webinar here! Get simple tools that you can use to support your team for resilience, productivity, and wellbeing, help them deal with overwhelm, and get you a happy, thriving team without burning yourself out. Be a member of Resilient Team Academy now! Sign-ups are open until the third of November.Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Dr Richard Pile and Rachel do a deep dive into what it means to have a meaningful, purpose-driven life. We also explore the concept of ikigai and how you can use this to determine your purpose, so that you can enjoy your work more and ultimately unlock your potential to live life to its fullest.Episode Highlights[05:51] Is Purpose a Given for Doctors?Everyone, including doctors, can benefit from thinking about their reason for being.When your purpose is tied to your job, your profession can become all-consuming.[10:04] Defining PurposePurpose has layers, including your values, beliefs, likes, dislikes, and what matters to you. [12:35] The Consequences of Lack of PurposeNot contemplating your meaning and purpose can affect your health and wellbeing.[16:00] Are Meaningful Relationships Part of Your Purpose?Only focusing inward hampers you from unlocking your full potential.Purpose alone isn’t good enough; you need to have balance.[19:06] The Current GP SituationGeneral practice has never been busier than it is now.The best thing a GP can do to care for their patients is to first take care of themselves.[21:03] How to Avoid OverwhelmReflect on the balance in your life and make sure it's sustainable for years to come. [22:29] Reconnecting with Your Meaning and Purpose through Ikigai‘Ikigai’ is a Japanese term meaning reason for being.It looks at purpose as the intersection of four circles: what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs.[29:43] Give Yourself TimeThe starting point in finding your purpose is giving yourself time to think about it.[36:08] Exploring IkigaiThe Japanese conceptualisation of ikigai doesn’t focus much on career.If you’ve got a purpose and meaning, you’re better able to cope with life's struggles. [38:43] Spirituality and SpaceFragmenting our physical, mental, and spiritual aspects always ends badly.[44:24] Richard’s Top Three TipsGive yourself time to take stock.Reflect on the ikigai concept.Determine your next steps after reflecting.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Sign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Are you a leader in health or social care? Know how to build a robust team through difficult times without burning out yourself by registering for our free webinar here! Are you interested to have a You Are Not A Frog gathering? Drop us an email at hello@youarenotafrog.com to let us know!Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Anna Dearmon Kornick teaches us strategies for managing time and determining when to delegate. She also explains why time management is heart management. When you get clear on your vision, goals, and values, you can do more of what matters to you. Episode Highlights[08:48] How to Have More Control in Your DayMentally walking through your day allows you to anticipate problems in advance and come up with solutions. When you know your schedule, you can also give your breaks a purpose. [13:02] How to Manage Admin TimeThe most effective meetings have agendas and a step-by-step flow.[15:26] Creating an Agenda Checklist for Admin TimeCreating the sequence of tasks in your agenda mostly depends on personal preference.One thing that might help is the time management technique called ‘Eat that frog,’ where you start your day by doing the toughest or most important task. You can also try the 15-minute rule. [19:03] Set Expectations with Your AgendaSet expectations with others who may want to steal your attention during admin time.Admin time needs to be protected to serve its purpose.[20:54] Combating DistractionsWe have been conditioned to respond anytime someone reaches out.To combat this, have a notepad to write down the ‘shiny things’ that derail your focus.[24:37] The Importance of DelegationUnderstand the process required to complete a task and give the person what they need to succeed.The best way to delegate is to capture the steps into a workflow. [28:58] Creating a WorkflowUse language that the person you delegated will understand.Make sure there are no gaps and room for assumptions. [32:23] Learning Period in DelegationMistakes will be made when you delegate. Think of the worst thing that could happen in your workflow. Then, come up with a safety net for the person to take on the task.[34:43] Delegating Outside WorkWhat home and personal activities you can outsource to get your time back?[39:13] Determining What to Keep and What to DelegateZero in the activities falling in your zone of genius.[43:40] Spending More Time in Your Zone of GeniusThink hard about what things you should be delegating.This passion and proficiency lens opens up awareness about how you spend and how you want to spend your time.[45:52] Top Three TipsCreate a vision for the future and the life you want.Set goals.Articulate core values. Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Sign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

In this episode, Dr Caraline Wright and Dr Lizzie Sweeting discuss the second victim phenomenon. They explain why patient safety incidents are occupational hazards and how they can affect healthcare providers. Finally, they share tips on how to avoid second victimhood and how to provide support.Episode Highlights[04:31] What is a Second Victim?A second victim is a healthcare provider who becomes traumatised due to an unanticipated adverse patient event.[05:33] How Patient Safety Relates to Second Victimhood Up to 50% of healthcare system staff can be second victims. They can experience a range of effects, from acute stress to suicidal ideation. [06:59] Determining Second Victimhood The shame and guilt from a patient safety incident differ from the distress and fatigue from normal workplace pressures.[10:17] Caraline’s Experience with Second Victimhood She oversaw a man with a long history of depression and alcoholism. He got better, so she reduced the frequency of his appointments.Shortly after, he patient committed suicide. Over the next 6-12 months, she struggled with trauma, avoidance, guilt, and anxiety.[14:37] Post-Second VictimhoodSecond victims tend to shift to a defensive practice or leave the career altogether.Shame also hinders them from sharing their experience. [21:52] How to React to Patient Safety IncidentsKnow that patient safety incidents are occupational hazards.Organisations must provide quick and appropriate responses.[28:44] How to Support Second VictimsListen with fascination. Just let them talk and explain, even if you’ve not felt like that yourself. Let them know that lots of people feel the same way.[34:06] Lizzie and Caraline’s Message About Second Victimhood Don’t be afraid to share your story, as it can be valuable to others.Having one another to talk things through can be helpful. [35:59] The Impact of COVID-19 on Second VictimhoodWorking remotely has caused us to become removed from one another, as we can’t create connections as well. However, with effort, we can still create spaces online. [38:07] Caraline and Lizzie’s Top Three TipsKnow that second victimhood exists. Have a support system.Be kind to yourself and your colleagues.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Free Webinar: How to build a robust team in times of crisis without burning out yourselfSign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout.Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Dr Pauline Morris shares common pitfalls in work habits, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the need for self-care. Discussion includes doctors' career concerns, problems with work-life balance, and the impact of perfectionism. Tips on introspection and cutting back on perfectionism are provided to find career satisfaction and take control of your life.

This week, Dr Edward Pooley teaches us how to respond when colleagues make inappropriate comments about others. He gives us concrete steps to prepare ourselves to speak up when the situation requires. Episode Highlights[05:05] Finding Yourself in an Uncomfortable ConversationThese conversations usually fall under three categories. The first two are more permissible, while the third is more serious. [09:01] Letting Off Stream vs Something More SeriousIf it’s the latter, advise them carefully to have a word with the person in question.If the line jumps to criticism on protected characteristics, speak up firmly. [12:17] Speak Up Using Ed’s Four-Step Confrontation ProcessEd’s stepwise approach allows you to avoid triggering shame and defensiveness when you speak up. [14:35] Hearing Someone Complain About Another PersonEncourage them to think about the person in question’s point of view. [18:02] The Consequences of Constant Backbiting in the WorkplaceYou’ll assume that when you make a mistake, others will talk about you too.[20:44] When It’s Just Flat Out BitchingThink about whether there will be a negative outcome if this communication persists.If what they’re doing has a direct impact on your work environment, speak up. [24:17] Encouraging a Negative ColleagueAsk yourself: Are they able to do their responsibilities with their viewpoint?It’s about engaging that person to do what they need to do because it’s valuable to them.[29:20] The Importance of a CriticSome people see all the possible flaws and pitfalls of an idea. This trait isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Critical people lend organisations a different perspective. [31:57] Some Strategies to Help You Speak UpHave a series and sequence of phrases you can go to.Make your presence known.Ask them to clarify what they mean. [35:13] Thinking It’s Not Your Place to Speak UpIt’s your place to speak up.If you don’t, you can get implicated when the subject files a formal complaint.[38:58] Some Helpful Resources and Ed’s One Great TipThe first thing you need to do is to speak up. How you’re going to say it can come later. Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Sign up for a FREE workbook.Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.Find out more about our training here.Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.Mentioned in this episode:Escape the Urgency Trap masterclass A 90-minute training for doctors and other busy professionals working in high-stress, high-stakes jobs like healthcare.

Corrina Gordon-Barnes, with 16 years of coaching experience, shares how to better relationships and stay in your zone of power. She advises questioning thoughts and assumptions to make good decisions. It's important to be compassionate and list judgments/complaints and fears when deciding to stay or leave. Staying in your zone of power means accepting reality and focusing on what you can control. By examining beliefs and gaining new perspectives, you can make authentic decisions. Acceptance and love, rather than tolerating, are key for relationships. The power of choice empowers us in everyday situations.