Podcast: Play in new window | Download (27.0MB) | Embed
A rush of adrenaline, unsettled stomach, muscle spasms. These are some of the common physical symptoms of stress. Many of us get stressed out about work deadlines that come and go. But when we’re stressed all the time, it can lead to some serious health problems like weight gain or even heart disease. We’ll learn some common causes and symptoms of stress. We’ll also ask the experts about the best ways to cope.
Guests:
Dr. Laurelle Myhra (Red Lake Ojibwe Nation) – director of health services at Catholic Charites
Tony Redhouse (Diné) – Native American healer and spiritual teacher
Break Music: Sila (feat. Tanya Tagaq) (song) A Tribe Called Red (artist) We Are the Halluci Nation (album)
The workplace is often the source of stress for many employees. Dysfunctional workplaces, often caused by dysfunctional managers, create havoc, disharmony, and discord among employees. This behavior is replicated throughout the organization where cliques are formed. Many are in favor, and those who are not are marginalized. Those pushed aside either leave voluntarily, or are fired, often with little or no justification.
Tribal workplaces, where I have done organizational consulting work for over 30 years, can be some of the most destructive and demoralizing workplaces I’ve seen. Elected leaders, at the highest levels, can be vindictive, partisan, lack compassion, or become self serving for themselves. I’ve also seen tribal organizations, tribal councils, Native American business operations, non-profits, and many tribal leaders who behave admirably or are managed with an attitude of being a servant leader.
Bosses can make people sick. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Mark Tager, who was the first to implement an Employee Wellness Program in a major hospital in Portland, Oregon. Mark said that in his experience up to 90% of Doctor office calls are stress related.
We, as Native people, need to elect tribal leaders who display and manifest the characteristics of a servant leader. We need business leaders, non-profit managers, executive directors, educators, and yes, even parents and family members, who understand that personal behaviors can have profound impacts on those around us. Tolerating dysfunctional tribal leaders, managers, council members, etc., needs to stop.