Episode 05: Mental Health Leadership: Supporting Mental Health Among First Responders' Leaders with Heather Edward
In this podcast episode with Heather Edward, several key points regarding mental health support for leaders and leadership development were discussed:
- Gap in Mental Health Training: There's a noticeable lack of information and support for leaders in mental health. While there are resources on supporting others, there's a gap in how leaders can support themselves. The existing courses are not comprehensive, leading to frustration among leaders.
- Variety of Support: Leaders often know what needs to be done but struggle to access support. It's recognized that different individuals require different approaches to mental health support. Therefore, having multiple courses and programs available is beneficial, rather than relying on a single solution.
- Celebrating Successes: Despite facing challenges and traumas, it's essential to celebrate successes and acknowledge resilience among first responders. Heather emphasizes the importance of not making assumptions about people's mental states and instead encourages asking them directly.
- Leadership Development: Formal leadership training is crucial for leaders, especially considering issues like moral injury and distress. Leaders need to prioritize their well-being and model healthy behaviors for their staff members.
- Influence vs. Authority: Leadership is about influence and relationships, not just authority. Leaders should inspire and lead by example, rather than relying solely on their position of power.
- Generational Differences: Different generations have different communication styles and work ethics. It's important to address these generational gaps when developing leaders, considering factors like preferred communication methods and job expectations.
- Leadership vs. Management: Leadership involves inspiring and influencing others, whereas management focuses on control and organization. Effective leaders need to be adaptable and prioritize relationships over strict control.
- Validation and Safety: Regardless of generation, everyone wants to feel validated and safe in their work environment. Leadership is about building relationships and creating a supportive atmosphere.
- Comfort with Uncertainty: Good leaders are comfortable admitting when they don't know something and prioritize supporting their team members.
Overall, the episode highlights the importance of comprehensive mental health support for leaders, effective leadership development programs, and the need for leaders to prioritize their well-being and relationships with their teams.