World Mental Health Day provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental wellbeing, including for healthcare professionals and leaders. This calls for a focus on strategies to prioritise mental health for leaders and teams.
Below is a framework for creating a mentally healthy environment in healthcare leadership by applying the 7 Cs of Ubuntu: Compassion, Caring, Courage, Co-creation, Curiosity,
Connectedness, and Commitment to Action.
- Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of Ubuntu, and leaders must extend this to themselves and their teams. Taking care of your own mental health sets an example for others.
Leading with Empathy
Show your team that their mental health matters by openly sharing your own journey toward wellbeing. Taking breaks, managing stress, and prioritising self-care are not only essential for you but can inspire others to do the same. - Caring
True leadership involves genuinely and actively supporting the mental well-being of others.
Creating a Supportive Culture
Develop an environment where team members feel safe to talk about their mental health needs without judgment. Leaders need to counteract this mindset by fostering a culture where asking for help is not a sign of weakness. - Courage
Addressing mental health head-on requires courage, to be vulnerable enough to share your own struggles, but also to create a safe space for difficult conversations within the team.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges Directly
By demonstrating courage in addressing mental health challenges, leaders can create an environment that makes it easier for healthcare professionals to take time off for mental health recovery without fear of professional repercussions. - Co-Creation
Ubuntu emphasises that we are all connected. Co-creation is about working with your team to build a mentally healthy work environment.
Working Together for Well-Being
Co-creation emphasises shared responsibility for mental health. It is not just the leader’s role to manage everyone’s mental well-being; it is a shared team effort. Leaders can involve team members in developing wellness initiatives and empower them to take ownership of their mental health to foster ownership and commitment from the team. - Curiosity
Curiosity in leadership allows for growth and improvement in mental health strategies. Leaders who remain curious about mental health are more likely to innovate and adapt to new approaches that can benefit the team.
Encouraging Learning about Mental Health
Encourage your team to pursue opportunities to learn more about mental health and self-care. Encouraging curiosity will motivate your team to continuously seek ways to improve their mental health, building a culture of growth and resilience. Curiosity in leadership encourages exploration
and learning, especially in understanding how to better support mental health within your team. - Connectedness
Connectedness reminds us that we are stronger together through collaboration and peer support. When your team feels connected, they are more likely to support each other through challenges.
Strengthening Team Bonds
Connectedness, a key component of Ubuntu, emphasises the importance of relationships. A connected team is a resilient one. When people feel supported and valued, their mental health can improve, and they become more engaged and effective in their roles. - Commitment to Action
Leadership requires action that can be demonstrated by creating policies and practices that prioritise well-being in the organisation.
Taking Proactive Steps
A commitment to action solidifies the importance of mental health within your team, ensuring long-term well-being and success.
By incorporating the 7 Cs of Ubuntu—Compassion, Caring, Courage, Co-Creation, Curiosity, Connectedness, and Commitment to Action—you can make a significant difference in the lives of your team members and yourself.
It is time to challenge the notion that healthcare professionals must endure relentless stress without adequate support.
Leadership in healthcare is not just about guiding others—it is about creating a culture where mental health is prioritised for the well-being of both individuals and teams.
— Dr. Nondumiso S. Makhunga-Stevenson
Physician Leader | Executive Coach | Champion of Ubuntu Leadership
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