Last night I began my 3rd of five cohorts on trauma-informed leadership for the World Health Organization‘s Pacific Region. The sessions happen from 8-9pm my time–not easy for this early riser, but no matter how tired I am at the beginning of the session, I always come away inspired and energized.
It’s incredible to see the thoughtfulness and commitment of these professionals, both in creating trauma-informed work environments and to providing a model for trauma-informed workplaces in healthcare.
Last night, we started with an icebreaker where I said, “Think of the best boss you ever had. Drop in the chat a description of that person.” The responses were so beautiful, and a great indication of what makes a great leader–compassion, commitment to growth, and transparency. And it turns out, we all could use a little more joy in the workplace.
– When I got into the Unit she asked if I was well versed in programme management. I said I couldn’t claim to be very good. She said “that’s great because that means you’re trainable and that’s what matters more.” This jumpstarted my confidence in my role.
– He constantly inspires me to learn, try new tasks, and take the initiative. He provides constructive feedback to help me grow … Most importantly, he keeps me informed about the status of all projects, including funding and project forecasts—both the successes and the challenges.
– She liked to work hard but create a safe, fun and thriving environment for the team. “It’s not just about the work you do, but how you do it.”
– He always ensured work and balance in a creative way that motivated us all the time; the workplace was a place of joy.
Over the course of this week, we’ll talk about ways to build that kind of work environment — a place where people feel supported and valued, so they can thrive.
How about you? How would you describe the best boss you’ve had? Drop it in the chat!