Like many of you (dare I say, all?), I woke up once again to the news of mass shootings and violence across the country. At the end of the first quarter, there were 126 incidents of mass shootings, and several more over just the past weekend — from Indianapolis to Kenosha, Wisconsin and Bryan, Texas.
Alongside these senseless shootings, we’re seeing another wave of protests across the country fueled by the continued murders of black and brown men at the hands of police. Protests by social justice advocates and counter-protests by white supremacists groups are likely to increase as the country awaits the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.
So, what’s our responsibility as leaders amidst the chaos in the world outside our workplaces?
Acknowledge the impact on ourselves and our employees. Being witness to this level of violence can compound everyday stressors and lead to PTSD symptoms that last for (3) three or more months. This is especially true for Black, Indigenous and People of Color who are overwhelming the victims of gun violence.
Train team leaders and managers to recognize signs of PTSD in employees. We know that managers are not trained and licensed mental health professionals, but we can equip them with the basics. A few signs to watch for —
