Understanding trauma in the workplace is not just important; it is essential. Decisions are often made without fully comprehending the depth of trauma experienced by individuals and organisations alike.
I am sure we can all agree that our predecessor generation has left us what we here at Simphiwe Mtetwa call the Trinity Plagues: unemployment, poverty, and inequality. After my interview with Ms. Mogapi, it occurred to me that perhaps we have not been able to combat these Trinity Plagues because our former generation led Corporate Social Investment through a traumatised lens. Considering that South Africa had just emerged from years of apartheid, it is only logical that they were learning to work together in a society where blacks and whites had been segregated.
It is similar to working with someone who was unfairly dismissed, and the CCMA ordered their reinstatement. Such conditions invariably create an unpleasant workplace atmosphere. Similarly, in South Africa, the entire nation had to work together despite the pervasive trauma of apartheid. It was not an option to leave; we had to make it work. Consequently, we worked together in a trauma-infused environment, which has contributed to the persistence of the Trinity Plagues.
I firmly believe that the next 30 years will provide us with the guidance to begin viewing Corporate Social Investment through a new lens. This lens must address and deal with trauma, and not be afraid to do so.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms. Nomfundo Mogapi, CEO of the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership, who I regard as both a psychologist and a doctor. Despite her humility in denying these titles, her expertise in trauma is invaluable. Our journey together began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has since been a crucial part of understanding trauma’s impact on the workplace.
Trauma can be described as the wound of the soul—those painful experiences that leave lasting marks on our lives. Oprah Winfrey’s book, *What Happened to You*, encapsulates this idea by urging us to confront our past traumas in order to heal. When we discuss trauma, we are referring not only to personal experiences but also to organisational trauma.
For CSI practitioners, it is crucial to understand the concept of “what happened to you.” This understanding extends beyond personal trauma to include the trauma experienced by organisations and the communities they serve. CSI work often takes place in wounded contexts, where historical and collective traumas impact both the practitioners and the recipients of their work.
Nomfundo explains that trauma is not just personal. It is organisational as well. The experiences of an organisation during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly impact its leadership, systems, and culture. Similarly, CSI-funded organisations and NGOs often operate within communities that bear multiple layers of wounding, from historical to collective traumas. It is vital for CSI practitioners to recognise and address these traumas to prevent them from hindering their work.
Understanding the difference between personal trauma and collective trauma is essential. Personal trauma stems from individual experiences, such as childhood events or family dynamics. Collective trauma, on the other hand, is rooted in historical exclusion, marginalisation, and socio-economic disparities. These traumas can be transferred across generations, influencing how individuals and communities interact with the world.
Nomfundo highlights the importance of understanding how our brains process trauma. The limbic system, which stores traumatic memories, is not rational and can only trigger fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. When the limbic system is activated, the cerebral cortex, responsible for rational thinking, is deactivated. This explains why individuals sometimes react irrationally when their traumas are triggered.
Healing from trauma requires a conscious effort. CSI practitioners and leaders must become their own most important project by understanding their life stories and recognising the sources of their traumas. Engaging in practices such as therapy, coaching, and self-reflection can help move traumatic memories from the limbic system to the cerebral cortex, where they can be processed and healed.
For CSI practitioners, adopting trauma-informed approaches is essential. This involves understanding and integrating trauma awareness into all aspects of their work, from governance to leadership, policies, and interactions with partners and communities. Organisations like the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership offer training to help practitioners infuse trauma-informed practices into their daily operations.
Understanding and addressing trauma is not just about personal healing; it is about creating a healthier, more effective workplace for CSI practitioners. By recognising and addressing both personal and organisational traumas, CSI practitioners can lead from a place of peace and clarity, ultimately enhancing the impact of their work.
Nomfundo’s insights remind us that the journey towards healing begins with self-awareness and the courage to confront our traumas. As CSI practitioners, embracing this journey not only improves our well-being but also enhances our ability to make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
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