Inevitably, managers will encounter an employee situation that intersects with a mental health concern. These situations can be uncomfortable at a minimum and frightening at their most severe. Knowing how to respond can make a profound and positive difference in the outcome. This learning opportunity provides managers with the knowledge to identify a possible mental health issue. Being aware is the first step. Next, it is essential to respond in a way that is compassionate and effective. Participants will learn strategies to intervene when performance problems and common mental health disorders intersect. Finally, we explore the emotional toll for managers and learn how to build capacity to maintain personal health and wellness while being a support for the team.

  LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

• Learn how to spot signs and symptoms of common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

• Know effective ways to respond when performance declines and there is a suspected mental health concern.

• Become aware of support resources and how to access them.

• Gain insight into the emotional toll managing these situations takes. Learn strategies to maintain personal health and well-being while being a support for others.

PRESENTER BIO

Nancy has a long history in leadership, management, and performance development – not only as a manager but also as an employee assistance consultant supporting diverse organizations in healthcare, construction, government, tech, Native American tribes and more. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Senior Professional in Human Resources and has a great passion for helping people to draw out their innate talents and strengths.  

CREDENTIALS • Master’s in Education (Counseling Psychology) from University of Puget Sound • LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Served in private practice and as an employee assistance professional. • SPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources • Gallup Certified Strengths Coach • Certified – Myers Briggs Type Indicator • Long history in management and leadership. (Army Officer, owned an insurance agency, consultant to hundreds of companies in the state and region ranging from small shops to Microsoft.) • Adjunct researcher for National Institute of Health funded study on workplace stress due to repeated downsizing. Research captured in the book, Turbulence. Boeing and the State of the American Worker. • Publication: Strategies for Developing Leadership Competency for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Construction Executive Magazine, January 1, 2020 • Publication: The Responses to Male and Female Managers to Stress and Downsizing, North American Journal of Psychology, July 1, 2005. Paper presented at Western Psychological Association Convention, April 2004