Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Leading Through Stress

Meet Michele Thompson

Michele brings a wealth of knowledge from her 27 years as a nurse, with 17 of those specifically in the senior care sector. Her mission today is to help organizations and their leaders create psychologically safe workplaces where employees never want to leave. 

Beyond Job Titles: Redefining Leadership

Leadership, as Michele emphasizes, is more than just a job title—it’s an influence that extends across all areas of life. During the podcast, Michele redefined leadership by sharing how nurses and healthcare workers demonstrated exceptional leadership during the pandemic.

These dedicated individuals didn’t just show up for work; they leaned into their core values, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a profound sense of duty. Michele shared her personal experience, recounting the early days of the pandemic when her nightly prayer was, “Please just don’t let anyone die tomorrow.”

Psychological Safety and Effective Communication

Michele’s consulting focuses on creating workplaces that people are proud to be part of—places built on psychological safety and effective communication. She tells us that trust—essential in any workplace—is built not just by organizational leaders but by every team member. She gives practical advice on how to foster this environment, emphasizing the importance of seeing each other as individuals, not just employees.

One memorable strategy Michele shared is the “What does stress look like for you?” exercise, where team members share how they visibly show stress. This can lead to a collaborative environment where colleagues are better equipped to support each other.

Honors for Healthcare Workers

Michele also reflected on the emotional experience of being thanked for her service, likening healthcare workers during the pandemic to soldiers in a battle. This poignant acknowledgment resonated deeply with her, shedding light on the personal sacrifices healthcare workers made and continue to make.

Core Values and Community

During the pandemic, many healthcare professionals showed their true strength as leaders by staying committed to their core values and supporting their colleagues. Michele highlights how these values transformed workplaces into tighter-knit communities, with staff helping each other manage stress and grief, and even finding moments of joy.

Advice for Healthcare Workers

To the healthcare workers continuing to bear the burden of post-pandemic mental health crises, Michele offers heartfelt advice: prioritize self-care and seek community support. She acknowledges the bravery of those who have left the profession to prioritize their well-being and implores those still in the field to take care of their mental health.

Connect with Michele

For those interested in developing leadership skills or enhancing workplace culture, Michele's Curis Consulting offers various programs, including tailored leadership development and personal coaching. 

Michele’s dedication to bettering workplaces and individual lives is inspiring. If you want to learn more about her work or get in touch, visit the Curis Consulting website and connect with Michele on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey into leadership and the incredible contributions of healthcare workers. Until next time, remember that leadership is about the positive change you inspire in others—regardless of your title.

 

Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Learn more about Leadership Masterclass, the private podcast and community at www.jessicawright.online/leadership-masterclass. 

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