It's crucial to recognize the significance of emotions in the workplace. We've all had those overwhelming days when our emotions affect our ability to stay focused and productive. Whether it's personal issues, conflicts with coworkers, or feeling overwhelmed, we're still expected to fulfill our professional responsibilities. However, finding effective strategies to navigate these emotional hurdles can be a real challenge. Is hiding in the bathroom stall to silently cry the answer? While it might o er temporary relief, it's not a sustainable solution. Alternatively, should we establish more workplace rules? Unfortunately, such measures often fail to address the complexity of human emotions and can even demoralize the company when the rules aren't consistently enforced. The truth is, we can't simply enforce emotional suppression in the workplace. Nonetheless, we can empower individuals with tools for emotional resilience and provide them with the necessary communication skills. Here are three proven solutions I utilize to help my clients and mentees achieve better results in their personal and professional lives:Â
1. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA):Â
Mental health issues are more prevalent than we might think. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people worldwide will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. These issues follow individuals wherever they go, including the workplace. Conditions such as grief, depression, and anxiety can significantly impact a person's mental health. It's highly likely that someone in your workplace is currently dealing with a mental health issue. MHFA is a certification program that equips individuals with the skills to recognize the early signs of a mental health crisis and provide appropriate support. By acquiring these skills, team members can employ nuanced phrases to improve communication with someone displaying early warning signs, fostering understanding and reducing stress in the workplace. Research consistently shows that mental health first aid enhances mental health literacy, reducesstigma, and increases con dence in providing support to others. A study published in the BMC Psychiatry found that individuals who received Mental Health First Aid training demonstrated improved knowledge of mental health issues and were more likely to seek help for themselves or others.Â
2. Conflict Resolution:
Â
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but how we handle it can make all the difference. Learning conflict resolution skills enables us to address disputes with coworkers in a productive and respectful manner. Conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. By employing these skills, we can prevent conflicts from escalating and improve working relationships. A study published in the International Journal of Values-based Leadership indicated that employees who received conflict resolution training experienced higher job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and improved working relationships. Therefore, conflict resolution training can significantly impact workplace outcomes. To provide individuals with a safe environment to practice these skills without the fear of retaliation, I recently launched a monthly Leadership Improv Practicum. This online class, co-facilitated by international trainer Leslie Martinich martinich ), allows participants from different companies and industries to engage in role-playing real scenarios from Leslie's 20+ years of experience in engineering leadership. Through this program, participants can develop effective leadership skills. Feel free to contact me (@luckygirliegirl everywhere on the interwebs) to sign up for our next Zoom class.Â
3. Emotional Intelligence (EI):
Â
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and process emotions. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can recognize their own emotions and those of others. They can utilize emotional information to guide their thinking and behavior, differentiate between different feelings, label them appropriately, and adapt their emotions to t various situations. Developing emotional resilience to navigate the ups and downs of life is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. A study published in the Wiley Online Library revealed that individuals with higher emotional intelligence were more likely to be rated as effective leaders and exhibit better job. Instead of attempting to banish emotions, let's focus on strategies for regulating our emotions, building resilience, and providing support to individuals. www.luckygirliegirl.com | www.averyburtonfoundation.org www.instagram.com/luckygirliegirl | www.linkedin.com/in/luckygirliegirl
Comments