Trauma-Informed or Trauma-Inducing Leadership?

What is Trauma-Informed Leadership?

Trauma-Informed Leadership is an approach that recognises the prevalence of trauma in the workforce and strives to create a supportive environment. This type of leadership acknowledges the various ways trauma can affect people’s work performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Leaders who adopt this approach aim to foster a workplace culture of understanding, compassion, and mutual respect.

What is Trauma-Inducing Leadership?

On the flip side, Trauma-Inducing Leadership does the opposite. Rather than acknowledge or accommodate for trauma, this style of leadership may inadvertently or deliberately create a toxic environment. Leaders may engage in behaviours like micromanagement, public humiliation, or even verbal abuse, causing stress, anxiety, and traumatising experiences for their employees.

How Does Each Affect Employee Well-Being?

Trauma-Informed Leadership not only fosters emotional safety but also boosts productivity and job satisfaction. Employees are more likely to engage in their work and report higher levels of mental well-being. Conversely, Trauma-Inducing Leadership can result in high staff turnover rates, reduced productivity, and a slew of mental health issues, including heightened stress and burnout.

Can Culture Shape the Leadership Style?

Yes, organisational culture can significantly influence the type of leadership that flourishes. Firms that value employee well-being and ethical conduct are more likely to develop Trauma-Informed Leadership. In contrast, high-pressure environments that focus solely on outputs and targets may inadvertently encourage Trauma-Inducing Leadership.

What Can You Do?

If you’re a leader, self-reflection is key. Consider your behaviours and their impact on your team. If you’re an employee under a Trauma-Inducing Leader, it may be beneficial to seek professional advice or consult HR. Organisations as a whole benefit from regularly reviewing leadership approaches and can choose to be willing to change to foster a healthier work environment.

In summary, the distinction between Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Inducing Leadership can make or break the workplace experience. It’s crucial for leaders to be conscious of the role they play in shaping this experience and for organisations to recognise the impact of their leadership styles on their workforce.