056: What is a Trauma-Informed Workplace with Nathan Gerbrandt

In this transformative episode, we delve into the profound realization that workplaces can be arenas for emotional growth and healing. Nathan and I discuss the critical work of the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), highlighting how understanding and addressing our own life difficulties can significantly improve workplace culture and leadership. 

Nathan, the Managing Director of CTRI, specializes in trauma-informed practices to improve the lives of individuals, organizations, and communities. His expertise includes service coordination and rehabilitation for those with complex trauma and co-occurring disorders, particularly in the context of legal conflict. Holding a Master of Social Work degree and a Registered Social Worker status, Nathan co-authored "A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces" and edited numerous training materials for CTRI, focusing on creating impactful connections through training. 

 

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Importance of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Learn how acknowledging and addressing our own trauma not only supports individual healing but also fosters a more compassionate and productive organizational culture. Discover the transformative power of trauma-informed principles in creating safer, more supportive environments for all employees. 💡
  
  

• Leadership and Helping Professions: Explore the concept that leadership inherently involves helping others. Nathan emphasizes that leading effectively means being attuned to the needs of others, whether or not one is in a traditionally defined helping profession, thereby expanding the definition of what it means to be a helper. 🧠💖
  
  

• The Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Dive into CTRI's five foundational principles for creating trauma-informed environments: promoting awareness, shifting attitudes, fostering safety, highlighting and providing choice, and focusing on strengths. These principles guide organizations in nurturing resilience and empowerment among employees. 🛡️
  
  

• The Role of Self-Awareness and Connection: Discover the importance of self-awareness and connecting with oneself and others. Nathan shares insights into his personal journey of self-discovery, emphasizing how understanding one’s backstory and triggers can lead to profound personal and professional growth. 🔄
  
  

• Practical Tools and Strategies for Leaders: Gain actionable insights into creating a trauma-informed workplace, including initiating open conversations about mental well-being, investing in emotional intelligence and resilience-building programs, and implementing support structures that recognize the complexity of mental health. 🧘

We talk about:

• 3:54 What is CTRI

• 5:14 Definition of a helping professional

• 7:13 The evolution of trauma informed leadership

• 14:31 Difference between trauma aware and trauma informed

• 18:14 The importance of safety

• 22:18 Impact of COVID in workspaces

• 25:12 How does a hybrid work environment impact choice and safety

• 26:50 How do you help leaders who have a very compartmentalize thoughts on safety

• 31:56 Taking time for ourselves as leaders to become aware of ourselves

• 33:32 Wheel of power

• 46:31 Rapid fire questions
  
  

🌈 Closing Thoughts:

This episode calls upon leaders to recognize and embrace their role in the emotional healing journey, not only for their personal growth but as a catalyst for change within their organizations. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and resilience, we pave the way for workplaces where everyone is empowered to thrive, contributing to greater creativity, productivity, and unity.

💬 We invite your reflections a