BY MAE MAÑACAP-JOHNSON
course, these action items are predicated upon the manager truly
believing in this philosophy—if he/she does not actually think
that taking care of others is a priority and is just “checking a box,”
this will be obvious. First, make your team members understand
that they are a priority by making time for them. This may include
meeting regularly as a group or one-on-one, but your people want
to know that you take their concerns seriously and they can come
to you when they have an issue. Second, provide the training for
your people that they need. Nothing dampens morale more than
when an employee feels like they have not been adequately
prepared to meet their goals, yet are held accountable for those
results. When you make sure that each of your team members
succeed at work, you will succeed too. Third, lead from the front.
That is, don’t ask your staff to do something that you would never
do. For instance, if you expect them to stay late at work to finish
a project, you should be right there with them.
P: In your book, you wrote “it’s okay to ask for help and
lean on others for support.” Why do you think it’s
sometimes difficult for those in management to seek help
when needed?
C: I think that sometimes people view asking for help as a sign of
weakness, although I think it is the complete opposite. It is far
easier to keep a brave face and act as if everything is under control
than it is to open up, potentially be vulnerable and ask for help.
Further, you should look for opportunities to help other people—
this kind of attitude is contagious, and can really change an entire
work environment.
P: There is a chapter in your book that’s dedicated on
conquering one’s own fears. Given the uncertainty of
your future after such a devastating injury, how did you
personally conquer your own fears?
C: I certainly had a lot of fears after I was injured: Would I ever
look “normal”? Would I be able to exercise? Would I speak
clearly? Would my brain work correctly? Would I be able to hold
down a job? One of the great things about my wife is that she
always encouraged me to be very open with her, and having her
on my side while working through my issues made a huge
difference. Also, going to counseling for 18 months for PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) had a huge effect on my
outlook, how I viewed myself, and my understanding of why my
body and mind were reacting to what I experienced in Iraq.
Finally, spending time identifying what I wanted to do wit