Mental health Wellness

While in the journey of mental wellness

Get rid of the pressure, to be perfect 

the need to be strong all the time 

be kinder to yourself, you deserve it!

Have the conversation going, on mental health

just as you would, if physically ill

time overdue to throw the stigma 

to mental illness, out of the window! 

Lead by example HR, do it first

share the vulnerability- like when

you're having a bad day..

share stories of  difficult times handled

and encourage others to do so too

identify early warning signals 

to be able to help employees.. 

A mental health action plan in place

to complement the employee assistance program

enabling people to set boundaries- what is acceptable what is not 

both physically and psychologically... 

Facilitate peer conversations, providing training

to those interested- People may open up

to a peer more than a boss...  

let training be a part of a larger plan 

not a one off exercise...

let it support the culture of organization 

Let HR focus be on mental health friendly

policies, procedures, practices..

review  the old and ensure all policies compliant 

Calling out objectionable/ shaming/ non inclusive behaviour 

 no matter by whom very important! 

so is highlighting value of empathetic listening... 

Educating Line managers on the art of treating people well

showing how non violent communication

open channels of communication, enhances productivity 

will go a long way to enhance mental wellness...

Finally,  here are some props for support on journey

journaling, meditation, mindfulness practice, exercise

remember, to take care of yourself too

like the mother advised to put first her oxygen mask

before helping child - HR can be of use to others 

only if mentally healthy themselves..

NB:  The basic source material for this poem is an online discussion during the 'Show case' conference organized by NHRD in November 2021. The panel members included Sunita Wazeer Well being Leader of Unilever, Shalini Nataraj Global Head (HR) of Maersk.

Networking Insights

Everyone admits "Networking is  the sure thing

most wanted in today's time! "

something you just cannot do without

yet people fall short of going for it

taking action...

Often, it's due to the fear of rejection 

or fear that the other guy may sweet talk you

into getting deals in his interest, rather than yours

or fear of time being wasted- Does she really know people of significance?

"will it really help in furthering my interests? 

or just a waste of precious time?"  

Antidote to fears of rejection, lack of confidence 

can only be "your belief in yourself" 

belief or lack of it, both works to produce results

prompting you to either act fast or dilly dally 

A lot of networking is about giving 

you can't hope to get if you are reluctant to give 

there's need for genuine interest in the other guy

and willingness to create value for that person 

Spend more time speaking about them

rather than about yourself- it's a sign of your interest in them 

while conversing provide value to them

perhaps a contact,  or suggestion about a book 

soon he/she will be wondering about you

would want to know more about you... 

So it is all about the conversation you had 

whether connection and interaction happened

rather than mere exchange of business cards 

Present your card only when convinced

that person genuinely wants it, is interested in you 

Don't judge yourself and others

"I am not good enough to speak to the high ranked him/ her" 

"I am just not good at networking"

If you don't think much of yourself, why should they? 

Remember, you are the product while networking-

not your company, not your business!

In the same way, restrain urge to judge others 

"This guy cannot speak good English" 

" Look at his dress sense, not classy enough"

the proof of the pudding is in the eating

not merely in the outer appearances..

Your character is far more valuable than competence

when interacting, networking with others 

it is all about "who you are" rather than "What you do" 

go with a positive mindset with good intentions

and then for networking, sky is the limit!  

NB: (1) The basic source material for this poem is a webinar I attended in October 2021  featuring Mr Paritosh Pathak, Networking coach, networking success.in  

         (2)  Readers may also like to check out my post "Network is your Networth" at this link