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Episode #122: Mental Health Mastery

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In this episode of Wake Up Eager Workforce, Suzie Price sits down with Dr. Nicholas Samstag, a clinical psychologist, to explore the power of psychological fluency in the workplace. Learn how understanding and managing emotions can transform conflicts into growth opportunities and deepen team connections. Dr. Samstag dives into the dynamics of trauma, the challenges of narcissism, and the importance of emotional awareness—essential insights for any leader aiming to foster a high-trust, healthy work culture.

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Overview of Episode #122 --- 

  • The importance of leaders developing Psychological Fluency and how it can impact culture.
  • The one "thing" that is always true when there is conflict or tension in a relationship.
  • Proxy Conversation - what it is, what it means and how to turn it into an opportunity.
  • Impact of Narcissism and its effects on relationships and the work dynamic.
  • The subjective nature of trauma, angst and anger, and the wisdom of knowing that 'Feelings Never Lie'.
GET THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE


Episode 122 of Wake Up Eager Workforce, "Mental Health Mastery for Wake Up Eager Leaders," features a powerful conversation with Dr. Nicholas Samstag on building psychological fluency to improve workplace dynamics. Suzie Price and Dr. Samstag discuss how leaders can develop emotional awareness and use it to handle workplace challenges effectively. They explore how our responses to colleagues often replicate early family dynamics, leading to "proxy conversations" that can obscure underlying issues. Dr. Samstag emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns and understanding that emotions, even anger, are valid and informative.

The discussion also delves into handling narcissistic behavior in professional settings, describing how a distorted self-relationship can complicate interactions. Lastly, they cover the impact of trauma, encouraging leaders to support emotional well-being in their teams. With insights on how feelings shape our interactions, this episode is packed with practical advice for leaders and anyone interested in fostering a psychologically healthy workplace. Tune in to learn how mastering these concepts can lead to more authentic connections and a stronger, more resilient work environment.

In this episode:

04:22 - Integrating Mental Health Support in Organizations
Suzie Price and Nicholas Samstag delve into the topic of integrating mental health support in organizations, exploring Nicholas's diverse background and expertise in the field. They emphasize the significance of virtual work and practical therapy application in high-stress environments, highlighting the relevance of Nicholas's approach for corporations seeking a practical approach to therapy.

10:24 - Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace
Samstag highlights the need to differentiate between severe mental illness and the broader spectrum of mental health experiences in the workplace. He emphasizes the impact of early family dynamics on behavior within institutional settings and suggests that institutions replicate family dynamics. Samstag also proposes creating a psychologically informed environment in the workplace and advocates for leaders to have psychological fluency.

20:48 - Understanding Proxy Conversations
Samstag introduces the concept of proxy arguments and conversations, highlighting their prevalence in various relationships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that these conversations are often triggered by deeper emotional issues and suggests that recognizing and engaging with them can lead to mutual benefit. Suzie also shares her perspective on the concept, expressing agreement with the idea of proxy statements and the detour method for addressing overreactions.

25:49 - Importance of Psychotherapy
Samstag and Price share personal experiences and insights on the significance of psychotherapy, emphasizing its role in self-discovery and personal growth. They stress the importance of finding a trustworthy therapist and being open to discussing uncomfortable topics for deeper work.

32:15 - Discussion on Narcissism
Price and  Samstag engage in a detailed conversation about narcissism, delving into its historical roots and its manifestation in modern society. They highlight the importance of self-reflection and the impact of narcissism on relationships, business, and health, emphasizing the complexities of the diagnostic label and its implications.

38:16 - Dealing with Narcissism in the Workplace and Family
Price and Samstag delve into the complexities of handling narcissistic individuals in professional and personal settings. They explore the challenges of questioning narcissists, the limited effectiveness of psychotherapy, and the potential scenarios in families where narcissistic individuals either dominate or face consequences for their behavior.

46:36 - Discussion on Trauma and Psychological Fluency
Price and Samstag on the topic of trauma and its subjective nature, highlighting the significance of recognizing and addressing trauma in the workplace. They also discuss psychological fluency and the role of attributing feelings in making meaning, emphasizing the need for understanding individual experiences and emotions.

55:57 - Workplace Well-being and Leadership
Price and Samstag delve into the significance of psychological well-being in the workplace, highlighting the role of leaders in fostering a supportive environment. They discuss the impact of leadership on employees' psychological awareness and the need for leaders to prioritize the holistic care of their teams.

Connect with Dr. Nicholas Samstag

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