Incorporating "Never Feed the Beast, Work Hard & Stay Peaceful" in Leadership
- Dr. Teranda Knight, DBH, IBHL, LSSGB
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 5
February 21, 2025
Dr. Teranda Knight, DBH
With extensive experience in emergency room settings, inpatient intake, and medical floors of hospitals utilizing integrated behavioral healthcare approaches, I have observed the challenges of a "one-size-fits-all" mentality in leadership. Often, leaders spend considerable time debating who is right or wrong, who is liked or disliked, or focusing on financial constraints, rather than evaluating situations that could ensure equitable healthcare for individuals facing substance use issues, family/social/job stressors, and mental health changes. Leadership comprises human beings who inevitably make decisions based on biases and judgments rather than the true mission and vision of the organization. As a leader, understanding the mission and vision allows for leveraging opportunities for growth.
As an adjunct psychology professor at a local college that has now become a university, I discovered a lack of processes in place for leadership regarding how to support professors, staff, and faculty in addressing mental health and substance use among students. The responsibility has often fallen on students to navigate available resources, even when access is unclear. I have witnessed valuable working relationships deteriorate over conflicts that did not address the root issues.
After experiencing personal medical challenges, I decided to restart my career, applying my knowledge as an employee assistance counselor and consultant. I have worked with various sectors, including textile, local government, pharmaceutical companies, and airport leadership, to improve overall health and work productivity through training and one-on-one sessions. Additionally, I have collaborated with healthcare leadership in hospital settings to identify employees who could benefit from sessions aimed at enhancing communication and reducing stress, ultimately leading to fewer work errors.
Due to confidentiality concerns, I cannot solicit specific individuals to protect their privacy. While I could have used pseudonyms, I am aware that some individuals may attempt to discredit my integrity. This challenge has made acquiring business difficult. Consequently, I created the brand "Never Feed the Beast. Work Hard & Stay Peaceful" to inspire leadership to remain focused on the organization's mission, vision, and goals while utilizing critical thinking skills and analytical processes to address day-to-day challenges that arise.
Five Ways to "Never Feed the Beast" and Promote Peaceful Leadership
Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. This can help address conflicts before they escalate.
Focus on the Mission and Vision: Regularly revisit the organization's mission and vision to ensure all decisions align with these guiding principles, minimizing distractions that feed negativity.
Implement Conflict Resolution Training: Provide training for leaders and staff on effective conflict resolution strategies to address root issues rather than allowing conflicts to fester.
Promote Mental Health Awareness: Create initiatives that educate staff and students about mental health resources and support systems, ensuring everyone knows how to access help when needed.
Model Resilience and Positivity: As a leader, demonstrate resilience and a positive attitude, which can inspire others to adopt similar approaches in their professional interactions.
In conclusion, I am seeking to provide personal growth and professional growth for leadership. My "60-Day Enhanced Motivation Journal for Leaders" is one of the best approaches to self-reflection while building self-worth while dealing with difficult leadership as colleagues. So many individuals in leadership take on one or both of these; "blaming themselves" and "blaming others" or the ultimate combination. Either way, they are the most incorrect way to address and thinking processes anyone should take in leadership if they are nurturing healthy relationships and outcomes that drive great change.
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