PROTECT
LEADERSHIP PRACTICES
Understand the leadership practices and role modelling that help create an environment where people can thrive.
What is Leadership Practices?
Anyone can show leadership in an organisation and the most meaningful way to be a great leader is to help others succeed. Good leadership practices, processes, actions and strategies help others to feel and be better at work and help the organisation succeed.
Why does this matter?
Wellbeing and mental health is everyone’s responsibility and it’s brought to life via leadership actions. When good leadership practices and processes are part of the culture, work is a better place to be. When leaders express care for team members - safety, satisfaction and performance are all likely to be higher.
What does this look like when it's managed well?
It looks like awareness and sensitivity to what is going on for people. There’s open conversation and good boundaries, especially with behaviours that are not ok. Leaders are engaging with team members to understand what their experiences are at work. There are things in place that support people to feel safe to belong, to learn, to speak up and contribute. Leaders acknowledge when things are going well or not so well.
What does this look like when it's not managed well?
You might feel or hear things like this when it is not done very well.
- I wonder what they think of my work?
- That didn’t feel fair.
- I’m not coping but does anyone notice?
- I’m not feeling safe to talk about a work issue with my colleague.
- Is this part of my role?
- What do I do now?
- Does anyone care what I think?
Managers are not role modelling positive behaviours that support their own wellbeing.
LEADERSHIP PRACTICES
Ways to use this module
This module comprises a selection of resources to support your organisation to put leadership practices into action to support mental health and wellbeing.
- Start by reading signs of a mentally healthy workplace so you know what to look at and where you are headed when you do it right.
- Read the practical tips and use the video to understand how it all sits together in your culture.
- Identify if you have any gaps, e.g. what are you doing about conflict?
- Put some leadership initiatives in your Wellbeing strategy (in the governance and board module).
