Episode 65
#65 How to create psychological safety - with Elizabeth Vahey Smith
Synopsis:
Elizabeth Vahey Smith is back to talk about trauma informed leadership. Find out practical tips for parents on how to engage with their children when witnessing heightened emotional responses, ensuring the child feels heard and understood. We give examples about how that could happen when a parent is away for work. Elizabeth gives insights from her new book on establishing psychological safety in the workplace, recognizing elevated responses, and fostering a culture of trust and resilience. You can also listen to her previous episode on HTFA podcast #49 where she gives strategies on how to process our emotions.
What you Will Learn:
1. Parenting isn't just about raising kids-It's about leading them. Elizabeth Vahey Smith, COO of TCK Training, sheds light on how trauma-informed leadership principles can transform our approach to parenting.
2. Elizabeth shares a pivotal moment when she realized that leadership, both at work and home, was being handled poorly. Her experience of being triggered by leadership at work made her rethink how she was parenting her children.
3. The key insight? Leadership behaviors-like not listening or giving few choices-can erode psychological safety, whether you're at the office or at home with your kids. Parents often exert authority over children without realizing the impact.
4. Trauma isn't always about big events. Even small incidents can leave lasting emotional consequences. For kids, it might be something as subtle as a parent missing a significant event due to work travel.
5. Want to be more trauma-informed? Start by asking questions and getting curious about your child's resistance. Understand what's blocking them rather than just exerting authority.
6. In the workplace, similar principles apply. Leaders should aim for psychological safety, ensuring that team members feel heard and valued, which boosts engagement and productivity.
7. Elizabeth's upcoming book: "Trauma Informed Leadership," offers a comprehensive guide on navigating trauma in various settings—from parenting to corporate management.
8. Let's redefine leadership: It's about mobilizing people with an awareness of their past experiences and fostering environments that promote healing and resilience.
9. Let's build cultures of trust and safety, where everyone feels heard, whether at home or in the office, . Empowering families and teams to thrive begins with understanding and compassion.
10. It's time to bring trauma-informed principles to the forefront. Dive deeper into Elizabeth Vahey Smith's work and redefine the way you lead at home and beyond.
Read more:
Trauma Informed Leadership by Elizabeth Vahey Smith
