20 min
Empathy, Challenges, & Triumphs: A Conversation with Shari Repinski of Rocky Mountain Human Services Trailblazing for Success: Inspiring Leaders
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- Management
In this conversation, Shari Repinski, CEO and executive director of Rocky Mountain Human Services, discusses the work of the organization and the challenges they face in building and managing a team. She emphasizes the importance of motivation and empathy in the human services field and shares stories of how small acts can make a big difference in people's lives. Shari also highlights the key skills needed for human services professionals and offers advice for leaders in the industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion of personal reflections and holiday plans, as well as book and media recommendations.
Takeaways
- Rocky Mountain Human Services provides a variety of supports, including case management and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
- Building and managing a team is a major challenge in the nonprofit sector, as resources are often limited. Staffing is crucial for meeting the needs of the community and providing efficient services.
- Motivation and empathy are essential for both staff and clients in the human services field. Sharing stories of success and focusing on the impact of small acts can help keep everyone motivated.
- Listening and understanding the needs of individuals is a key skill for human services professionals. It is important to go beyond the bureaucratic process and provide personalized support.
- Leaders in the human services field should prioritize connecting with their staff and creating a psychologically safe space. Slowing down and having conversations can lead to better understanding and more effective leadership.
- Personal connections and experiences are important for leaders and staff in the human services field. Taking breaks, reading books, and engaging in other activities outside of work can contribute to personal growth and well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Rocky Mountain Human Services
02:00 Challenges in Building and Managing a Team
04:28 Motivating Staff and Meeting the Needs of the Community
08:19 The Power of Stories and Empathy in Human Services
09:43 Key Skills for Human Services Professionals
12:33 Advice for Leaders in Human Services
19:24 Closing Remarks and Farewell
In this conversation, Shari Repinski, CEO and executive director of Rocky Mountain Human Services, discusses the work of the organization and the challenges they face in building and managing a team. She emphasizes the importance of motivation and empathy in the human services field and shares stories of how small acts can make a big difference in people's lives. Shari also highlights the key skills needed for human services professionals and offers advice for leaders in the industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion of personal reflections and holiday plans, as well as book and media recommendations.
Takeaways
- Rocky Mountain Human Services provides a variety of supports, including case management and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
- Building and managing a team is a major challenge in the nonprofit sector, as resources are often limited. Staffing is crucial for meeting the needs of the community and providing efficient services.
- Motivation and empathy are essential for both staff and clients in the human services field. Sharing stories of success and focusing on the impact of small acts can help keep everyone motivated.
- Listening and understanding the needs of individuals is a key skill for human services professionals. It is important to go beyond the bureaucratic process and provide personalized support.
- Leaders in the human services field should prioritize connecting with their staff and creating a psychologically safe space. Slowing down and having conversations can lead to better understanding and more effective leadership.
- Personal connections and experiences are important for leaders and staff in the human services field. Taking breaks, reading books, and engaging in other activities outside of work can contribute to personal growth and well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Rocky Mountain Human Services
02:00 Challenges in Building and Managing a Team
04:28 Motivating Staff and Meeting the Needs of the Community
08:19 The Power of Stories and Empathy in Human Services
09:43 Key Skills for Human Services Professionals
12:33 Advice for Leaders in Human Services
19:24 Closing Remarks and Farewell
20 min