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With the workplace experiencing many changes during the coronavirus pandemic, what are some things leaders can do to ensure the mental health of their team? So many times, we only see a mental health problem when it blows up. So how can we recognize signs of a problem and create a culture where people feel safe to be their authentic selves?
Michelle Dickinson is here to help us with this dilemma. Michelle is a well known and passionate mental health advocate. She is a TED speaker and a published author of her memoir entitled Breaking Into My Life. Her book gives readers a glimpse into her childhood experiences living with her bipolar mother. She also knows what it is like to struggle with a mental illness. Today she offers us her expertise in becoming a compassionate leader and creating a welcoming environment and accepting culture in the workplace.
Show Notes:
[3:20] – Michelle describes what it was like to grow up with a mother with bipolar disorder and how it has shaped her as an adult.
[4:41] – Michelle has peace with her childhood but believes that it has given her passion to help people in mental health.
[5:30] – Her childhood taught her resilience and empathy and compassion for people suffering. There is nothing more painful than watching your mother cry and not being able to console her.
[5:55] – Michelle was groomed as a little girl to put her own needs on the shelf and really focus on creating as much comfort for others as she can.
[6:25] – Living through the “corona blues,” has had an impact on Michelle’s mental health, but through coping strategies she has learned over the years have helped.
[7:58] – Michelle was very successful in the corporate world prior to becoming a mental health advocate and describes how the workplace approached mental health and understanding.
[9:26] – The leaders who get the most out of their team and really optimize the potential of their team are those leaders who have a strong sense of humanity. They are proactive and preemptive.
[10:28] – Companies tend to be late in dealing with mental health, waiting for things to blow up and then dealing with it. The key in avoiding this is to be proactive.
Links and Resources:
- Michelle E. Dickinson Web Page
- Breaking Into My Life by Michelle E. Dickinson
- Michelle Dickinson Facebook
- Michelle Dickinson Instagram
- Michelle Dickinson Twitter
- Love What Is by Byron Katie
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A Life and A Living Podcast