During a crucial NBA game in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love was overwhelmed by a panic attack that forced him off the court. Initially, he kept this incident hidden, fearing the stigma associated with mental health struggles in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
Love eventually chose openness over isolation, penning a heartfelt essay in The Players’ Tribune titled “Everyone Is Going Through Something.” In it, he candidly discussed his struggles with anxiety and depression.
Love’s willingness to confront the difficult conversation about his mental health sparked a broader dialogue in the NBA, encouraging more athletes to speak openly and empowering teams to prioritise mental health resources.
Love’s story shows how addressing mental health can lead to transformative change, both personally and for those around you. By embracing vulnerability and engaging in tough conversations, you too can create a supportive environment at work.
This article will guide you through how to approach these conversations effectively, helping your team feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Want to learn more about supporting mental health at work? Visit our website for resources and expert guidance tailored to help you lead these important conversations.
What Do The Stats Say?
- 60% of employees have never discussed their mental health at work, fearing stigma.
- Over 65% of employees report that mental health issues have negatively impacted their performance.
- The World Health Organisation estimates a loss of over $1 trillion annually due to mental health concerns.
- Avoiding these conversations isn’t just harmful to your team—it’s detrimental to your organisation’s success. Consider when was the last time you really checked in on your colleagues’ mental health?
Introducing the Layered Approach
Navigating mental health conversations requires more than a one-size-fits-all strategy. Here’s the roadmap:
Level 1: Building the Foundation for Open Dialogue
Why is this important? Without a strong foundation, difficult conversations can feel like ambushes, leading to defensiveness and mistrust- the opposite of the desired effect.
Establishing a supportive culture ensures that when tough times come, your team feels safe to share and seek help.
a) Regular Individual Meetings
Regular one-on-ones aren’t just for tracking progress—they’re essential for building rapport and trust. Across any industry, genuine check-ins that focus on more than just KPIs are crucial; otherwise, tough conversations may seem disingenuous.
A typical check-in might be a 30-minute meeting held weekly or fortnightly. It’s an opportunity to help team members with work challenges and also ask how they’re managing with work and life. Creating a simple agenda can make these meetings more structured if the team member prefers it.
Other Ways to Conduct Check-Ins
- Daily Stand-Ups (Tech and Startups): Short, focused meetings (10-15 minutes) where team members share priorities and blockers. Leaders can gauge any personal challenges.
- Walk-and-Talk Meetings (Healthcare and Creative Industries): Casual walk-and-talks make discussions feel more open, encouraging employees to share more freely.
- Coffee Chats (Corporate and Retail): Informal catch-ups over coffee help gauge how employees are coping, reducing pressure compared to formal settings.
- Monthly Well-Being Check-Ins (Financial Services and Customer Support): Longer sessions monthly to review work progress and well-being in greater depth.
- Virtual One-on-Ones (Remote Work): Video calls with flexible timing, focusing on both work and well-being. This ensures remote employees still feel connected and supported.
Imagine knowing that one team member prefers morning check-ins because they’re more alert, or that another is struggling with sleep due to a newborn. These insights make people feel seen and appreciated, making difficult conversations a natural part of ongoing dialogue.
b) Understanding Personal Feedback Preferences
Everyone processes feedback differently, so discussing preferences before issues arise is key.
- Do they prefer immediate feedback or a heads-up? Some individuals need time to emotionally process, whereas others would be anxious and stressed.
- Do they appreciate blunt honesty or a gentler approach? Tailoring your style to their comfort level demonstrates respect.
By understanding each person’s feedback preferences in advance, you reduce anxiety and make it easier to address issues promptly and effectively when the need arises.
c) Embracing Leader Vulnerability
Why is this important? Nobody needs a leader who appears perfect. Showing vulnerability is a powerful way to connect with your team. By being open about your own challenges, you demonstrate authenticity and create a safe space for others to share.
Realise that sharing your struggles doesn’t make you any less reliable. For example, consider the impact of a leader who says:
“I’ve been feeling the pressure lately and found that taking short breaks helps me stay focused. Please feel free to do the same if you need to.”
By modelling vulnerability, you build trust and make it more likely that team members will approach you before small issues become larger ones.
Level 2: Early Intervention Through Supportive Check-Ins
Why is this important? Catching issues early can prevent them from escalating. A simple check-in can make all the difference.
If you notice something’s off—not a major performance dip, but a concerning change, like missed deadlines or lower enthusiasm—initiate a supportive conversation:
“I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter lately and wanted to check in. How are things going?”
This isn’t about prying; it’s about offering support. The goal is to create a safe space where they can share if they choose to.
Offer Flexible Support Options
If the team member opens up about personal struggles, consider early adjustments:
- Flexible Hours: Could starting later help them manage anxiety?
- Work from Home Days: Would reducing the stress of commuting help?
- Time Off: Encouraging a few days of leave could allow them to recharge.
These small accommodations can have a big impact on their well-being and performance.
Level 3: Collaborative Problem-Solving for Ongoing Issues
Why is this important? When mental health issues persist and impact performance, it’s crucial to address them thoughtfully to maintain productivity while supporting the individual.
Communicate Dual Goals Clearly. This sets a collaborative tone rather than a confrontational one.
Start by acknowledging both organisational needs and your commitment to support:
“I want to discuss how we can help you while ensuring our project stays on track. Let’s work together to find a solution.”
Brainstorm Solutions Together. Write down all suggestions without judgment, then assess feasibility together.
Invite them to contribute ideas:
- Reduced Hours: Would temporarily shifting to part-time help?
- Redistributing Tasks: Could certain responsibilities be reassigned?
- Access to Resources: Is professional support needed?
- Validate Their Feelings: Validation doesn’t mean you have all the answers, but it shows commitment to supporting them.
Recognise the emotional weight of the situation:
“I understand this is challenging, and I appreciate your honesty. Let’s find a way forward together.”
Key Strategies for Effective Conversations
To navigate these levels successfully, keep these strategies in mind:
- Ask How They Want to Be Supported: This empowers the team member and ensures your efforts align with their needs. Instead of assuming, ask directly: “What can I do to support you during this time?”
- Be Clear About Your Role: Transparency builds trust. Clarify your intentions: “My goal is to support you while also ensuring our team meets its objectives. Let’s balance these together.”
- Make Conversations Collaborative: Even if you’re the decision-maker, collaboration fosters ownership and reduces resistance.
- Validate Emotions: Acknowledging their feelings can alleviate tension: “I appreciate that you’ve been feeling overwhelmed.”
- Prepare Through Role-Playing: Practice with a trusted colleague or consult a psychologist to boost your confidence.
Conclusion: Leading with Empathy and Courage
Kevin Love’s decision to openly share his mental health struggles didn’t just help him—it encouraged others and transformed the culture of professional sports. Similarly, by addressing mental health issues with empathy, you can create a supportive and trusting environment in your workplace.
Mastering these tough conversations is essential for effective leadership today. By adopting this layered approach, you address challenges proactively, support your team, and maintain productivity.
Remember
- Build a Foundation: Regular, genuine communication fosters trust.
- Intervene Early: Supportive check-ins can prevent escalation.
- Collaborate on Solutions: Work together when challenges persist.
Your willingness to engage in these conversations makes all the difference. Lead with empathy, and your courage will inspire change.
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Ready to Transform Your Leadership?
If you want to enhance your skills in navigating difficult conversations and supporting mental health, we’re here to help. Our experienced psychologists offer tailored coaching and workshops to empower leaders like you.
Get in touch at referrals@headwaypsych.com.au or call (08) 9226 4489 to learn how we can help you create a more compassionate and productive workplace.
Your journey toward becoming a more empathetic leader starts now. Will you take the next step?
