Mindful Leadership

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.

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.

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?

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.”

As we watch spring emerge this year, the contrast between the changes that happen to us and around us, and ones that we make happen are in clear relief. Throughout our organization we are taking stock of what we are emerging with this spring – figuring out what to keep and what to weed out. So many changes this past year have felt like they happened to us. Now the question is what are changes we want to make? At Nexus Family Healing, we are examining the culture we have and determining the culture we want. 

This pandemic has truly impacted everyone but in reality most of this is out of our control. The support of others during these times can really make a huge difference.

We have all made accommodations over the past several months that have moved from imaginative to frustrating to numbing. Margaret Vimont reflects on the small changes she's made in relief and self-care that open up a new pathway. 

Attention is power. It can bring us wellbeing and effectiveness. Left to its own devices, our attention can often flit about, at the mercy of our brain’s draw to stimuli. We can all be more conscious of the power of our attention.

This has been a very difficult week in Minneapolis and across our communities. We are deeply saddened and upset by the death of George Floyd. At Nexus Family Healing, we place a high value on diversity and compassion. We work hard to see and respect every individual we serve and recognize the trauma they have endured. Empathy and understanding are at the heart of who we are and the work we do every day. That is why the events of this week, at a time when so many are already suffering, are so painful to observe.

Faced with a universal human challenge, some familiar lines, boundaries and routines came tumbling down. We had to face this one together, acknowledge the distressing state of often not knowing and find our way through territory never crossed before. So turns out being vulnerable is an ok place to help others from.  That needing each other helped us move towards the integration we had been wanting for a long time but had a hard time achieving.  That leaders turning to those they lead for guidance as the path is charted may be the most powerful thing we can do