I want to talk to you about something that might seem unrelated to business at first, but has a profound impact on how we operate in the workplace – unhealed trauma.
Yes, you read that right.
We don’t often talk about trauma in the context of our work, but that’s a mistake.
Our past traumas, whether we are fully aware of them or not, can significantly shape how we show up at work and how we run our businesses.
Unresolved Trauma and its Subtle Influence at Work
Think for a moment about the wounds from your past. These are the things that might still affect you today, the events that left a mark, and the ones you may not even realise have impacted you.
They all play a role in how you perform at work and in your business.
Without even realising it, unresolved trauma can lead to reactive and unstructured approaches in our businesses, preventing us from putting solid foundations in place for growth and success. Just like a tree cannot thrive without strong roots, a business cannot flourish without a solid framework.
Unhealed Trauma: One Entrepreneur’s Story
Let me share a story that illustrates this point.
I had a client who was struggling to establish the necessary foundations in his business to enable growth and scalability. Despite having lots of customers and a business that was brimming with potential opportunities, everything came to a standstill whenever he paused his activities.
Without him, it was nothing. That’s not a business.
Upon delving into his situation, it became clear that his inability to create structure and consistent growth was rooted in unhealed childhood trauma.
Growing up in a chaotic and cluttered environment had deeply affected his ability to create order and structure in his business. Once we addressed this unresolved trauma, he was able to establish the necessary foundations, outsource tasks, and scale his business in ways that were previously unattainable.
Recognising Your Own Blocks and Patterns
So, how does this story relate to you?
Perhaps you’re also encountering obstacles in your business that seem inexplicable.
You find yourself unable to move past certain barriers or reach the next level of success, and it’s frustrating. It might just be that there are unhealed traumas at play that are preventing you from progressing.
The thing about trauma, especially when it remains unaddressed, is that it can quietly influence our decisions, behaviours, and choices without us even realising it. It’s like an invisible force that steers us off course, holding us back from achieving our full potential.
Healing Trauma: Essential for Workplace Success
Now, I’m not suggesting that every business setback or challenge is solely attributed to unhealed trauma.
Of course, there are numerous factors that contribute to our experiences in business or in the workplace. However, understanding and addressing our unhealed traumas is a neglected yet crucial aspect of personal and professional development.
By acknowledging and working through our past traumas, we free ourselves from the invisible chains that may be constraining our progress in the workplace.
When we heal these wounds, we gain the ability to create structure, make sound decisions, and cultivate an environment where our businesses can truly thrive.
Healing the Traumas That Show Up in Your Business
Recognising the impact of unhealed trauma is the first step.
Next, consider seeking support. Whether it’s through therapy, coaching, or other forms of healing, finding professional guidance can be immensely beneficial. Talking openly about your experiences and exploring how they might be influencing your current situation is a powerful way to begin the healing process.
With my business clients we spend a lot of time upfront diving into how their head trash is showing up, both in their life and their business or work. We then take time to review key aspects of the business – pricing, offers, lead generation, visibility, messaging etc – and explore how their head trash may be on a collision course with these crucial aspects.
This process enables me to identify the hidden wounds that are having an impact, and enables my clients to contemplate and consider how their past experiences might be impacting their current business ventures.
Reframing your past experiences and understanding how they’ve shaped you can also be a transformative step.
- What lessons have you learned from your traumas?
- How have they influenced your strengths and weaknesses?
Reflect on these questions and consider how you can harness this understanding to drive positive change in your business.
Why Business Needs to Recognise the Need to Consider Trauma Healing
It’s essential to recognise that unhealed trauma has a profound impact on how we operate in the workplace and in our businesses.
Many business leaders think that our traumas and wounds belong in our private lives, and that it’s not in their remit to support their staff with this kind of support. This is a mistake.
Our wounds and traumas don’t compartmentalise, And you can be pretty sure that we are all bringing our unhealed traumas into work.
The question is: which business owners are going to recognise this and do something about it. Because those that do will have a much more resilient workforce, Their people will be better able to adapt to changing environments and cope with workplace challenges.
By addressing our past wounds, we unlock the potential for growth, innovation, and success.
Don’t overlook the power of healing. Embrace the journey towards understanding and working through your past traumas. Your business and workplace success may very well depend on it.
- How I approach healing - July 25, 2024
- Trauma Therapy is Failing: It’s Time to Rethink! - March 28, 2024
- How Unhealed Trauma Affects Workplace Performance - March 17, 2024