Mental health continues to be a real issue; in fact, some psychologists believe we’re seeing an unprecedented crisis in mental health–at least for this generation. Because of this, we felt it important to host a Community Conversation focused on this topic where we invited Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach Rachel Barbanel-Fried, Psy.D., to join panelists Craig Jacobs, Director of Human Resources, Safety, and Security at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo; Dave Ruhl, Vice President of Operations and Campus Planning at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; and Shannon McKinney, Chief Animal Officer at Blank Park Zoo as Jackie Ogden moderated the discussion. Dr. Barbanel-Fried introduced the discussion by providing several insights into our current mental state and then counseled the audience on self-care and leadership initiatives to assist team members.
Takeaways include:
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In 2020, “grieving” was how we described our mental state. But we aren’t yet “flourishing,” instead we’re “languishing” and are now in “recovery stress.” (“There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called ‘Languishing.’“ The New York Times. Adam Grant. April 19, 2021. and “The Other Side of Languishing is Flourishing. Here’s How to Get There.” The New York Times. Dani Blum. May 4, 2021.)
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As organizations move into the “new tomorrow” we’re seeing changes that are often challenging. Do people return to work? Do they continue to work at home? How do they manage childcare? How do we manage being around many people again when we’re used to enforced semi-solitude? Last year we pivoted, and pivoted, and pivoted. Now we’re sort of settled into wishing for normal but are also afraid of it. And we’re coming into the busy season, are exhausted, and many can’t find people to hire.
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Times/situations like this increase chronic anxiety, known as “VUCA” in the professional world: volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
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Be honest about what you can deliver. Most of us are less productive than normal right now. Focus on the first 30 minutes of your day. Create a time each day to engage in 45 minutes of meaningful work and for joy. Click here to view Dr. Barbanel-Fried’s “A Sense of Mindfulness” video segment.
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Set office boundaries–both for you and for your teams.
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It’s important to foster connection for a shared sense of purpose with your team. Ground yourself in your values and continue to focus on gratitude. (Leading with Gratitude. Chester Elton) Click here to view Dr. Barbanel-Fried’s “Fostering Connection” video segment.
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Crisis does not build character but reveals character.
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We need to “choose” calm—mindfulness helps. Our cognitive skills are diminished when we’re stressed. Have a plan and a list to reduce your cognitive load.
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With a plan we feel we have some sense of control but we also need to recognize that things will change that you can’t control.
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Research shows that people work hardest when the boss shows appreciation.
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As always, constant, honest communication is critical: “Listen to understand.”
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We’re tired—we’ve been looking for a finite “end” but it’s not over yet. We have “recovery stress” which could continue for a long time.
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We’re in confusing/uncertain times. How can we treat non-vaccinated/vaccinated and respect their thinking to provide appropriate job assignments?
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We still need to manage performance while also dealing with the “whole person.” Dr. Barbanel-Fried advised to focus on the behavior, not the person.
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The Blank Park Zoo has been using self-welfare assessments with their teams, extracted from 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencoini, a must-read book about team health. Click here to download the one-page assessment. In addition, the AZA Safety and Human Resources Committees are working on a “mental wellbeing assessment” including measurements of nutrition, movement, and sleep. Stay tuned for this!
Special thanks to our panelists and guest speaker Rachel Barbanel-Fried, Psy.D., who can be contacted via Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
