Resources - Mindful Leadership

A Grateful Mindset

Gratitude can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and make us more resilient. It also fosters our relationships, even difficult ones. It floods your heart with warmth, changes the way you think, and allows you to let go of tensions. Focusing on gratitude will shift your perspective on life, and with practice, becomes a gratitude mindset.

Science of Gratitude Poster

A fun example of the science behind gratitude, explaining why it’s important and how it impacts our brains and helps us build resilience.

Enhancing Workplace Resilience

Currently, a quarter of all employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is not necessarily the amount of stress we experience at work, but how quickly we recover from the effects that is important to our health and wellbeing. Resilience is the key strategy that helps employees effectively tackle stress, workplace conflicts, and the unique and ever-changing challenges of the job.

What's Feeling Got To Do With It?

“Humans first, work second,” is often how I move into check-ins. In work meetings I facilitate, I ask the question: “How are you feeling?” at the start of the meeting. A common response is: "I don’t know how I’m feeling. Can I see the wheel?” because they know I’m expecting more of an answer than “well,” “fine,” or “good.” This is where the feelings wheel comes into play. 

The Nurturer vs. the Buddy

The struggle I see most in this caregiver/youth relationship is the desire to become the “Buddy.” The Nurturer helps with the behaviors that arise along the way so they can continue moving forward with the day or task at hand. However, the Nurturer can very easily slide into the Buddy role. When a youth enters any sort of residential facility or new foster care setting, they often don’t know how to create or maintain healthy attachments to the adults around them. It is our job as professionals and caregivers to model what a safe adult relationship looks like. 

Recognition vs. Appreciation: What Makes a Greater Impact?

While the words “employee recognition” and “employee appreciation” are often used interchangeably, they are very different. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for both; however, it is important to understand their differences and apply them correctly for optimal outcomes.

You Are the Boss of You

Recently, I was contacted by a frontline staff member and new mom who asked to hear more about my career journey and any tips I had to help her excel in her career. Early in my career, I did the same thing. I, too, was a little hesitant and am so grateful to that senior leader who gave me her time. Here are some steps I’ve learned over the years to help you take control of your future.

Burnout and Your Shadow Mission; Staying Out of Your Shadow Mission

The mental health field has some of the most stressful work environments, with the highest turnaround rates reaching up to 37 percent for mental health workers. Staff experience burnout for all kinds of reasons – and sometimes without even realizing it. Knowing your mission and shadow mission can help you identify and navigate possible burnout. So what is a shadow mission?

The Power of Human Connection

In October, I was able to experience a joyous and long-awaited occasion - a three-day in-person retreat. It became evident that Zoom can never replace the connectedness that results from spending time with another person. As the days get shorter and people tend to go into hibernation mode, there is a risk that the loneliness people already feel will be exacerbated and raised to new levels. I ask you to join me in combatting loneliness by being a “reach out warrior.”