Coping with mental health conditions and leading inclusively during COVID-19 may be a challenge.
Are you a leader with a vision to create change for your organization or a leader with only a personal agenda?
Effective communication is essential to have a successful team. Each one of you has the ability to make a positive difference in individual lives every day. Every member of your team should know the core values and mission statement of the organization in which they belong to, especially if they are in a leadership position. In these very uncertain times, we need leaders with integrity. We need courageous change agents willing to identify issues/gaps, collaborate, analyze the facts, and provide effective solutions. Lack of action can cause medical issues for your team members.
Anxiety, depressive disorder symptoms consistently remained at roughly 30 percent among White and Asian Americans while Black Americans reported similar symptomatic patterns, compared to Latinos. Blacks and Latinos have been disproportionately affected by the health and economic consequences of the pandemic, including experiencing a disproportionately high percent of Covid-19 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anxiety and depression can have physical effects like severe headaches, stomach pains, chills and difficulty breathing. These symptoms overlapping with those of Covid-19 create an extra layer of alarm.
Individuals who have mental conditions and a host of other medical conditions can mask their symptoms with a smile.
Many can relate to feeling anxious, or dealing with chronic pain. In addition to working in a toxic culture; mental health conditions and suicides are on the rise. It is important to remember all members of any team are important, their voices matter, and they should feel accepted. Quality leadership does not stop with the C suite or senior leaders of organizations. All leaders and middle managers must lead from the front by setting the example.
The pandemic has caused financial challenges for several organizations. Many of the diversity, equity and inclusion budgets have been cut. It is crucial that DEI initiatives be recognized and exercised in order for organizations to be successful. Bias and toxic environments create low morale and produce even lower productivity.
For the millions of unemployed that are trying to figure out their next career move; now is the time to put on your innovative cap and keep pressing forward. Lean into your network and get rid of all clutter in your life. Clutter in the physical sense, people that are negative, and clutter on your social media platforms.
Let’s work on treating all people with respect; value diverse perspectives and provide a supportive organizational culture for the multicultural workforce.
Treating others fairly and recognizing differences are opportunities to not only learn different perspectives, but gain esprit-de-corps by working together.
Very often some individuals are never satisfied with their accomplishments, instead are always aiming at the next “thing.” We are our worst critic. Those who are consistently bringing negative energy towards us; we replay that tape over and over in our minds. Often it is difficult to remember the roses exist; let alone remember to pause and smell them. Can you relate?
Can we agree to talk about mental health and the stigma more often? Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Let’s practice more #kindness and #respect. The conversation around mental health is growing, let’s normalize it.
By educating ourselves to recognize when someone is struggling, and learning to properly support one another; we are moving the needle on inclusion.
If you notice a coworker, friend or family member struggling during the holiday session:
1. Reach out to them
2. Say what you see
3. Actively listen to them
4. Connect them with help if it is a crisis
5. Follow up with them
If you have experienced adversity, have a vison to assist others, and are ready to put in some hard work to enhance your brand; let’s connect. www.thethriveclass.com Masterclasses are held several times each year. Last one of the year takes place today Friday November 2020.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1–800–273-TALK (1–800–273–8255)
Veterans Crisis Line Call: 1–800–273–8255 then Press 1
