Category: Uncategorized
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Disenfranchised Grief
an isolating experience Grief. It is an experience common to all of us. It breaks hearts across the world, like a deep crack in the earth, it moves shamelessly across borders knowing no bounds, leaving no corner left unturned. And one day it knocks on our door. With it being such a powerful emotion that is universal,…
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Burnout: Shifting the narrative-Introduction
the narrative behind Heavy shoulders all around us. Caving-but pushing on in spaces that do not perceive the load placed upon them. Perhaps these shoulders are on you. You are tired from the weight. The heaviness of unfairly divided work labour but also the emotional labour that comes with pointing at the weight many ignore. You…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Part 5
Honouring what is shared by informing organizational culture A clear purpose at the start of the storytelling journey can keep leadership on track, always acting as the anchor, reminding us of why we are embarking on this path. Sharing this purpose with others early on can elicit commitment from all, including ourselves, and act as…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Part 4
Setting ground rules for safety and accountability Storytellers not only need to be appreciated for sharing perspectives we may, often, otherwise not be exposed to but they also deserve to be protected from the potential risks that come with sharing, some of which have already been mentioned. In addition, frustrations that may be expressed by storytellers…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Part 3
Recognizing systemic factors in experiences In addition to storytellers potentially being ostracized due to their storyline not adhering to the cultural narrative standard, there are other risks leaders need to be aware of. Research has shown that, due to what has been called the ultimate attribution error, behaviours or experiences seen as undesirable are more…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Part 2
Respect for non-western cultural narratives The Hero’s Journey, marked by struggles turned into life lessons, difficult enough to make an impact but not devastating enough to not be overcome, often conquered single-handedly, all before one returns home with newfound knowledge. Victorious. Sounds familiar? Well, some of us cannot return home. Some of us experience profound and…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Part 1
Making the Process Transparent and Voluntary Not everyone wants to share their story, at least not at the time you want them to share it. As a matter of fact, not everyone feels safe to share personal details. Why? Storytelling has different meanings associated with it based on previous experience. There is a complex multitude…
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Storytelling & Psychological Safety-Intro
I have put together a guide for community and organizational leaders to emphasize the necessity of psychological safety in spaces where folks are asked to share their stories. I have been wounded by leaders myself- leaders whom I witnessed misusing stories shared by marginalized voices in ways that caused harm. So, I ask leaders who…