My latest article for Fast Company is on trauma-informed leadership–both why it matters and how to do it well.
The last few years have been difficult for so many, and those challenges people are facing don’t vanish when they log on in the morning. They affect everything from engagement to creativity to communication and more.
If we want to help people weather these challenges and keep our teams on track, we have to lead in a new way. We need trauma-informed leadership.
That means, first, listening to and acknowledging what people are experiencing. Don’t jump to solutions or reframing. Instead, try, “I’m so sorry. How can I help?”
Second, people may need tangible supports like time off or mental health resources. Make sure these resources are both available and widely known. Talk about them, a lot.
Finally, leading well through challenges isn’t easy. Take care of yourself with the same focus and commitment that you take care of others. (I’ll be sharing some advice on how to do that in a future article.)
When we support people through challenges, we build long-lasting trust that will see us through the current difficulty, and anything else coming down the road.