Repairing Trust
A foundation needed to repair trust between staff and leaders before envisioning the next chapter of the organization.
What we did
Trauma Informed Assessment
We listened first to staff and those with least power in the organization to hear their experience and begin to identify the power dynamics and where ruptures and harm existed.
Develop a Path for Repair
After hearing from everyone in the organization, we developed a multifaceted approach to repair which included not only acknowledging the past but developing skills and putting in place agreements so that harm does not repeat.
Coach and Prepare Leadership
We provided coaching and skill-building for leaders to model values such as active listening, emotional regulation, and awareness of power dynamics when engaging in restorative work.
Facilitate and follow-up
We facilitated multiple dialogue groups for individuals to share their experiences and hear and support one another and agree on how to move forward differently. We followed up later to assess shifts in the org.
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Both staff and leadership teams reported feeling able to share and be heard, and they felt optimistic about moving forward.
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Leaders gained skills to navigate conflict and take responsibility more effectively.
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Based on our follow-up assessment, the relationship dynamics between leadership and staff were much more collaborative and open.