You and your inner self 

In our group settings, whether it's within the context of a mental health workshop or team-building, we consistently witness the profound lightness that emerges when there is room for self-reflection. Lightness comes from contemplating one’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and giving space to emotions. It involves allowing oneself to embrace weakness and vulnerability, being authentic. 🔝

Initially, it might feel a bit spooky and unfamiliar 😱. Exposing your innermost self and showing feelings for the first time can seem foreign and frightening. Articulating thoughts you've never spoken aloud before can be embarrassing. Questions like "Am I allowed to feel that way?" or "Am I allowed to entertain these thoughts?" arise. But as you dive into the wave of self-reflection, it becomes addictive: Sensing the lightness of being. Without pressure. Without the heavy feeling, the sadness, the anxiety.

💡 Self-reflection increases both resilience and mental health, leading to high performance and fulfilled lives. Studies are in progress.

My role in these settings is to ask the right questions at the right time, create a framework where self-disclosure is possible, and enable thoughts and feelings that become conscious to facilitate personal growth, development, and lightness. Empathy, solid knowledge about neuroscience, psychodynamic processes, and cognitive-behavioral science, along with years of hands-on experience and my (meanwhile) personal level of self-reflection, are my success factors. Make them yours. 🔝

Weak is the new strong

Feeling mentally weak as a leader can be highly uncomfortable. And inappropriate. On the surface, leadership and mental vulnerability may appear to be incompatible.

My work with executives has shown: Feeling mentally weak is a gift. 🎁 Feeling mentally weak is awesome! 🙌 It usually initiates a process of self-reflection. A journey into your thoughts, your emotions, your behavior and your needs. By analyzing predisposing, triggering and perpetuating factors of perceived weakness you will find answers on how to develop and regain inner strength. On top, self-reflection enhances your emotional intelligence and boosts your mental health. Embracing this vulnerability can be truly empowering!

👉 Weakness usually is contextually and fades when addressed. Weakness and strength are not binary, they exist on a spectrum; it’s not limited to 0 and 1. Or black and white. Not "either or". It’s more an "as well as" and an all shades of gray.

🌊 So, if you feel mentally weak, don’t worry. Accept this gift and take a deep dive into yourself.

Sometimes, just be grateful.

👉 We are often so driven, propelled by goals, desires, and expectations we set for ourselves. What's next? What comes after? There's always more to do.

🏮But sometimes, for inner peace, it's good to simply be grateful. Grateful for a partner where a 50:50 balance in children, household, and career is a given. For the new colleague who feels like she's been on the team forever 👱‍♀️. For a job you didn't get; who knows what that saved you from. For a few funny memes from a friend that make you laugh. For new friendships and mutual empowerment. For the neighbor who played Santa again this year 🎅. For critical feedback that prompts further reflection. For your notary who does an outstanding job. For an inspiring afternoon with seemingly old friends. For workshops that ignite you. For... what are you grateful for?

Are you a difficult person?

The results of the Microcensus Labor Force Survey by Statistics Austria (2022, data from 2020) reveal that 👉 60% of employed individuals feel exposed to at least one mental health risk in the workplace. 💡

Following intense time pressure or work overload (38.3%), the second most significant risk factor is “dealing with difficult individuals” (33.2%).

When exploring what is classified as 🛑 difficult individuals 🛑 in this context, ChatGPT highlighted the following traits: “…refers to people who are challenging to interact with or manage due to their behavior, attitude, or personality traits. The term is subjective and can encompass various characteristics, such as:
🏮 Conflict-prone: Individuals who frequently engage in conflicts or disagreements.
🏮 Negative attitude: People with a consistently pessimistic or critical outlook.
🏮 Uncooperative: Those who resist collaboration or are unwilling to work with others.
🏮 Poor communication skills: Individuals who struggle to express themselves clearly or listen effectively.
🏮 Manipulative: People who may try to control or influence situations in a cunning or deceitful manner.
🏮 Aggressive: Those who display hostility, anger, or confrontational behavior.
🏮 Passive-aggressive: Individuals who express negativity indirectly or through subtle, non-verbal cues.
🏮 Unpredictable: People whose behavior is inconsistent or erratic, making it challenging to anticipate their actions.”

So, when it comes to self-reflection: Are you a difficult person? Could you potentially be a risk factor? 🤔

Should I stay or should I go?

According to a McKinsey study from 2022, 36% of employees leave their employer because they are dissatisfied with their leaders. 😳

Considering leaders:

💡How might this number change if leaders engage in self-reflection?

💡When leaders become self-aware and reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. When they perceive and challenge the impact of their thoughts, feelings, and actions on others. When they ask themselves, "What do I trigger in others?" and perceive what others think, feel, and why they act the way they do.

💡When self-reflective leaders recognize their own needs and understand what their employees need. When they allow themselves to be authentic, without fear, sadness, or frustration. When they see and foster their employees. When they experience a certain level of lightness through self-reflection that enables high performance and fulfilled lives for both the leaders and the employees.

🤔What do you think? Speaking of leaders: Would self-reflection in leaders change these 36%? I am curious about your thoughts!

Better leadership starts within

When you are aware of yourself, it becomes easier to consciously perceive other people and lead them successfully.

👉 By reflecting on your own thoughts and feelings, your authenticity increases.

👉 By understanding your needs and behaviors, you become adept at perceiving and appreciating others.

👉 The combination of authenticity, perception, and appreciation forms the foundation for trust and sustainable development.

👉 Trust and sustainable development are what employees seek and expect from their leaders.

Better leadership always starts within. Where does better leadership start for you?

Organizational risk factors: What endangers mental health? 

The results of the Microcensus Labor Force Survey by Statistics Austria (2022, data from 2020) show: 👉 60% of employed individuals feel exposed to at least one mental health risk in the workplace. 💡

The top five risk factors seem to be:

1️⃣ 38.3% report suffering from strong time pressure or being overloaded in their work

2️⃣ 33.2% consider dealing with difficult individuals as a risk factor

3️⃣ 12.6% mention poor communication/collaboration

4️⃣ 8.2% indicate a lack of influence on the work pace

5️⃣ 6.4% see insecure employment conditions as a risk factor

What are relevant risk factors from your point of view? 🤔

Self-reflection – ways and approaches

When embarking on a self-reflection process and dedicating oneself to self-reflection, there are essentially three different approaches:

🏮individually, for example with the aid of journaling - writing down your personal thoughts, feelings and experiences
🏮in a one-on-one setting within the framework of coaching
🏮in a group reflection, facilitated by experienced group therapists or group coaches

The effectiveness of self-reflection depends on individual preferences and goals. Each method - individual self-reflection, one-on-one reflection, and group setting - has its own advantages. Some individuals even find it advantageous to combine all three approaches as needed. 🔝

The transition between mental health and illness is fluid

👉 Mental illness doesn't develop overnight. Rather, it's a gradual transition from health to illness. A process with many intermediate stages. What can contribute to maintaining mental health?

🏮A solid foundation of mental resilience
🏮Measures to strengthen existing mental health
🏮Recognizing red flags on the path to mental illness
🏮Taking appropriate countermeasures

when red flags appear

We address measures to enhance resilience and strengthen mental health in our workshop 'Mental Health To Go' ✅. How to recognize red flags and apply the right countermeasures is covered in our workshop 'Mental Health Advanced' ✅. Both workshops aim to dismantle misconceptions and myths about mental health within your organization and encourage your leaders to approach mental health questions boldly and confidently.

Perceiving without judging

From early childhood, we are conditioned to evaluate and be evaluated. The positive end of the scale is quite enjoyable: receiving praise, compliments, and positive feedback feels good.

👉 But what about the flip side of the coin? What role does criticism and negative feedback play? What happens to me when I make a mistake or am pointed out for an error? What role does my own fear of negative evaluation play?

🏮Fear of evaluation is an experienced mental weakness. And here again, the question arises: Can I show my weakness? Can I be authentic and vulnerable?

🏮A first step in building psychological safety is to create a culture of "perceiving without judging". To absorb information without hasty judgments. To allow impressions without prejudiced assessments. To objectively and openly look at what is perceived without immediately forming an opinion or judgment.

🏮Passionate leaders out there: What's sought are role models who show their fear and counterparts who perceive without judging. That would be a significant step towards a resilient organization.

Hi. I am Gerti. And I know how the coexistence of weakness and strength can lead to high performance and fulfilled lives. And I wonder how you deal with your fear of negative judgement?

Can self-reflection have a positive impact on mental health?

As mentioned, feeling mentally weak and vulnerable is a gift. Feeling mentally weak is awesome! 🙌 It usually initiates a process of self-reflection. A deep dive into your thoughts, your emotions, your behavior and your needs.

🤔 But self-reflection - and what happens next? 🤔

👉 Self-reflection increases your emotional stability and boosts your inner strength. The connection to the „self“ through self-reflection enhances perceived authenticity. Being true to oneself and acting in alignment with your true self fortifies your resilience. Altogether, leading to an improvement in your mental health. ✅

Weakness and inner strength

Experiencing weakness is uncomfortable. Feeling mentally weak and vulnerable is completely unpleasant. In our achievement-oriented society, however, it's not always recognized. Nevertheless, situations that trigger emotions like fear and sadness, making us feel mentally weak, are a part of real life. When you engage in a process of self-reflection, perceive and value your own vulnerability, a new inner strength can emerge.

When we talk about self-reflection and self-awareness in the context of experienced weakness, we also think about two key aspects:

🏮Self-regulation: How can I calm and comfort myself? How can I encourage myself to regain internal strength?

🏮Self-disclosure: Who do I trust with my feelings? To whom do I open up? In what context do I share my thoughts and emotions?
👉 And this is where psychological safety comes into play: Can the organization be a place where I can self-disclose? Can organizations achieve "perception without judgment"? Or is the risk for authenticity simply too high?

If it comes to mental health, start by being kind and friendly to yourself.

Allow yourself a benevolent and appreciative perspective on yourself. What do you appreciate about yourself? What do you like about yourself? Write it down or tell yourself.

👀 Even if it seems weird or difficult at first, take time for a friendly look at yourself. ⏳ Take time to be kind to yourself. Start now to like and accept yourself a bit more, just as you are. Invest in your relationship with yourself now.

Your weekend plans: Another opportunity to be kind and friendly to yourself.

The weekend is just around the corner, providing another excellent chance to prioritize your mental well-being. And, once again: Start by being kind to yourself. ❓What are your plans for the weekend? Is there room for relaxation, or is everything tightly scheduled? Are you surrounding yourself with people who uplift you? Do you engage in activities that energize you? 🌳 Is there enough time for sleep and movement? Enough time for just hanging around? If there's work to be done, when does it fit best, and how do you reward yourself afterward?

💡Allow yourself to be kind and friendly to yourself. Allow yourself to work on your mental well-being.

Your weekend plans: Another opportunity to be kind and friendly to yourself.

The weekend is just around the corner, providing another excellent chance to prioritize your mental well-being. And, once again: Start by being kind to yourself. ❓What are your plans for the weekend? Is there room for relaxation, or is everything tightly scheduled? Are you surrounding yourself with people who uplift you? Do you engage in activities that energize you? 🌳 Is there enough time for sleep and movement? Enough time for just hanging around? If there's work to be done, when does it fit best, and how do you reward yourself afterward?

💡Allow yourself to be kind and friendly to yourself. Allow yourself to work on your mental well-being.

 E N E M Y !

The work is the enemy. The employer is the enemy. That is really challenging for me as someone who finds a lot of satisfaction in her job. 💡 From organizational research and learning theory, we know what I also observe in myself: the workplace is an enormous resource.

▶ Recognition for good work and constructive feedback can boost self-esteem and positively influence mental well-being.
▶ The opportunity for professional development, personal growth, and self-realization in the workplace can trigger feelings of competence and fulfillment.

Applied maintaining mental health at its best.🔝

Why is your work a resource for you? And if your work is the enemy: what could you change?

Mental health is not random.

➡ There are various ways to contribute to maintaining mental health, such as sports, nutrition, sleep, daily structure, positive work environment and more.
➡ Additionally, there are numerous ways to enhance mental resilience through practices like self-reflection, optimism, and fostering social connections.

➡ There are abundant risk factors for mental illness, such as workload, lack of communication, leadership style,…
➡ Furthermore, recognizing early warning signs - initial indicators of a mental health issue, such as irritability, concentration difficulties, excessive self-criticism, and more - is crucial.
➡There are many possibilities to address these early signs, such as coaching, anti-stress training,...

All these elements are integral to corporate mental health. And contribute to overall healthy and successful organizations.🔝