Thought Triggers Weekly | Edition #5
Arnab Roy Choudhury
Strategic Communications | Change Management | Storyteller | Builder | Executive MBA Candidate
This past week, we were led along a new path of understanding what it means to be an elite athlete. We learnt of Simon Biles withdrawing from the gymnastic team competitions and Joseph Schooling having to deal with his loss at the #TokyoOlympics2021. All this comes as fellow Olympian Naomi Osaka lost in her third-round tennis match and had previously bowed out of the French Open and Wimbledon, citing the psychological toll of participating in big tournaments. For both, the one thing constant was with the weight of expectations of an entire country.?
These are all reminders that at work or in our personal lives, we often feel torn between societal expectations and self-preservation, and in extreme cases, sometimes even to live is an act of courage.
Sang Shin was scathing in his post,?and rightly so when he pointed out the need to bridge the gap between talk and walk regarding #psychologicalsaftey & #mentalhealth in media.
In this fifth edition, the three stories explore with how social narratives and stereotypes in pop-culture are undergoing a much needed change even as some elite female athletes are taking control of their personal stories and passions moving to smaller brands and finally, the need to bring mental health out of the shadows in Asia.
#1 The Miracle & Audacity of Ted Lasso
This story is about the TV show Ted Lasso, an American football coach who decides to coach an English soccer team, willing to take on the uncertainty with grace and optimism for others and himself. We see this similar kindness and empathy in Dr Ryan (Niecy Nash) to “crazy Devi” (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) in the show Never have I Ever. Yet, in Season 2, it allows the discussion to go beyond the trauma and sadness of loosing her father to the stresses of being a teenager – opening the door to a larger conversation. Culture never happens in isolation and these shows are certainly making these conversations easier. In fact, Charlotte, in her newsletter, suggests we need a “Lasso test” similar to the famous Bechdel Test, a litmus for sexism in films and TV, its measure:
“At least two men talk to each other about their mental health or emotional wellbeing in a frank and vulnerable and loving way without needing to involve women as vehicles or guides for their self-improvement.”
If you think this is an easy test to pass, you’re not watching enough television. If this intrigues you, read James Poniewozik's story delving deeper into this shift in television story arcs.
#2 Olympian Simone Biles Wants A Sponsor That Will Help Her Do Good—And She's Not The Only One
?This story explores why many elite women athletes are gradually shifting away from major brands with smaller brands. This is particularly important as inclusion and gender equity take centre stage after decades of men’s voices dominating the industry narrative. Yet it’s more than just rising up against treatment of pregnant athletes, accusations of bullying or restrictive contracts to the humanity they represent – being there through their highs and lows of the journey to get there. Embracing their vulnerability for who they are and standing true by causes that matter to them.?
领英推荐
"This generation of athletes—female, male, and gender non-conformers and gender fluid—are making decisions that reflect a social consciousness and an understanding that their position in the world can serve as a platform to advocate for change."
The piece from The Walrus is a sombre and sobering yet insightful read on the Olympian struggle of athletes to compete for sponsorship dollars against influencers where athletic meritocracy doesn’t matter at all.
#3 Making Workplace Mental Health a Priority in Asia
Did you know that nearly 86% of employed people in Singapore do not seek help for mental health because of the stigma attached to it? In this insightful blog from Oliver, a Senior Partner & Managing Partner, Southeast Asia at McKinsey, shares this stat and reinforces the need for recognising mental health. Excellence is created not just by the obvious skills one's profession demands but also by building a whole and well human being. Oliver outlines the need to do so in a culturally appropriate and specific way, knowing it's much broader and nuanced to address #psychologicalsafety, especially in Asia as Crystal Lim-Lange so clearly laid bare.
Risk factors for workplace mental health include high levels of role stress, long hours, lack of support from managers, lack of flexibility or control, and workplace bullying. A data and evidenced-based approach to these risk factors allows organizations to monitor them and take steps to address them.
To build and sustain a high-performance culture, we need to nurture #psychologicalsafety and in fact, it starts with self-care. Failing to address mental health only leaves us suffering in silence.
Tiny Thought | Monday
Lack of courage sabotages more people than lack of ability. Don't beat yourself before you start. – Shane Parrish, fs blog
If you enjoy reading my three reads from my past week, do let me know in the comments, and share it with others and yes, tell me what caught your attention as well.
Have a great week ahead.
#Diversity&Inclusion #Perspectives #MentalHealth #Well-Being #Olympics #Brands #Sponsorships #Ethics?#Values #SelfWorth #PsychologicalSafety