R U OK? - Is it the right question?
Dr. Garry Marling
Proud Naval Veteran. Unleash your human potential from the shop-floor to the top-floor
R U OK Day is a laudable initiative that has captured the attention of millions in Australia and around the world.? Originating in Australia, this campaign aims to prompt conversations about mental health and offer a platform for emotional support.? It encourages people to check in on their family, friends, and colleagues by asking, "R U OK?"
While R U OK Day has contributed positively to raising awareness about the importance of mental health, some argue that within the Australian context, the question "R U OK?" might not be the most effective one to ask.? Cultural nuances and the Aussie aversion to burdening others with personal issues may make it difficult for people to open up in response to such a direct question.? Thus, while the initiative is well-intended, it may benefit from an adapted approach to suit the local temperament better.
Instead of asking, "R U OK?" consider asking questions that might open up more specific dialogues.? For instance, you might ask, "You've seemed a bit quiet lately; is everything all right?" or "I've noticed you're not yourself; want to talk about it?" These questions may make it easier for someone to share their feelings and concerns without feeling imposing.
Additionally, providing constant support may be more effective rather than making it a once-a-year effort.? Regular check-ins offer to lend an ear, and showing understanding can be ongoing methods to show someone that you genuinely care, thus making them more likely to share what's on their mind.
So, while R U OK Day is a positive stepping stone in the right direction, adapting our approach can make the initiative even more powerful and responsive to Australians' specific needs and sensibilities.
Building high performing sales/growth teams - focused on leadership that ensures repeatable, scalable revenue growth
1 年Very thought provoking article Dr. Garry... I'm with you on this - I think the initiative is great - but now that we've elevated the issue of mental health, what do we do to take this to the next level - of safe engagement, of truly honest conversations where being vulnerable is actually the OK bit. There's also still the issue of leaders expected to be or being seen as impervious or above such "weaknesses". This is fundamentally not the case. How do leaders set this new normal safely?
Risk & Safety / Sociology
1 年Reminds me of an article I liked by Drew Rae. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/please-dont-ask-me-r-u-ok-drew-rae
Director - Safety Assurance
1 年As someone who has had variously severe phases of not being OK, the key problem I have with this question is that more often than not, the people who are not OK, are not aware that they are not OK. The more common cases of mental health issues (anxiety / depression) can creep up on you and thus you'd probably not realise that how you feel is out of the ordinary. Severe cases of depression with suicidal tendencies of course are a different matter. Checking in on mates is important, but you would probably want to adapt the way you do that to the particular situation and the particular person if you'd like to have a chance at a meaningful improvement.
Worth a thought
Worth a thought