Playback: Trauma-Informed Leadership for Conflict Navigation - Panel Discussion
(Originally recorded October 10, 2023)
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Prefer to listen on the go? Audio-only is available here...
To work with Charmaine and/or Kim to bring conflict navigation, difficult conversations, regulation, or trauma-informed workplaces training to your organization or team, contact us to set up a free needs assessment
Resources recommended by our expert panel:
- Kim's blogs (3-part series) on understanding trauma and the nervous system: To understand colleagues’ behaviour, know the science behind it | Science time: Why we resort to fight or flight at work – and how trauma-informed leaders can better support their teams |
Recognizing dysregulation in the workplace, and understanding how to support them
A trauma-informed leadership approach...
Workplace conflicts are a common and often disruptive aspect of professional life. However, it's essential to recognize that not all conflicts stem from superficial disagreements or personality clashes. Many are rooted in underlying trauma experienced by employees. Understanding the role of trauma in workplace conflicts and adopting a trauma-informed leadership approach can help organizations reduce conflict, foster healthier working environments, and promote overall employee well-being.
Trauma-informed leadership is an approach that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma in society and its potential impact on employees within an organization. It is based on four key principles:
- Recognizing the Prevalence of Trauma
- Understanding the Impact of Trauma
- Responding with Empathy and Support
- Creating a Safe and Empowering Environment
Trauma can trigger strong emotional responses, which often lead to conflicts in the workplace. Trauma-informed leaders are trained to recognize these triggers and respond with sensitivity. They work with employees to develop coping strategies and offer accommodations when necessary, mitigating potential conflict situations.
Trust is the foundation of any healthy workplace. Trauma-informed leaders create an atmosphere where employees feel safe sharing their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment. Trust fosters open and honest communication, allowing conflicts to be addressed before they escalate.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has identified 13 factors of Psychologically Safe & Healthy Workplaces. Organizations who put them into effect can empower their workers to develop true work-life balance - leading to increased productivity, motivation, and engagement at work.
What We Talked About
Part 1
How conflict is often emotionally charged, influenced by the past and history and involves strong emotions and positions
Part 2
What trauma is, and what it isn't. Why some people experience trauma after an event where someone else may not
Part 3
Co-regulation - what it is and how it's one of the most effective strategies to keep all parties on track and productive
Part 4
Co-regulation - what it is and how it's one of the most effective strategies to keep all parties on track and productive
Part 5
The principles of trauma-informed leadership and how they transform workplaces and relationships between team members
Part 6
Concrete examples and scenarios that demonstrate a trauma-informed approach in action - no matter who the parties are
