Why Trauma-Informed Leadership Matters
Leadership is not just about driving results—it’s about caring for people. Every word, every action, and every decision we make as leaders impacts the people who work under our care. And sometimes, without even realizing it, our words and behaviors can re-traumatize others and break their spirit.
It’s easy for someone to say, “Well, whose fault is it that this person is broken?” The truth is, it may not be your fault—but it is your responsibility to ensure that you’re not the cause of further harm. When people are already carrying past trauma, careless or toxic leadership behaviors can create new wounds and leave them with even more to heal from.
This isn’t just theory for me—it’s personal. As a survivor of kidnapping and sexual violence, I know how trauma can shape someone’s life. More recently, I also experienced workplace bullying that disrupted my life for an entire year. I’m not ready to share the details yet, but I can say it shook my confidence as a leader, a mother, and a friend. It was difficult to speak up because I was afraid of being further targeted. Even though I did have some supportive voices around me, the damage was done. I am still working to rebuild the level of happiness I once had before it all began.
What I don’t want is for anyone else to experience what I have experienced. Sadly, throughout my career, I have witnessed toxic leadership behaviors—slamming doors, throwing papers, yelling, ridiculing, belittling, controlling how I interacted with others. These actions may seem small to some, but they chip away at a person’s dignity, confidence, and sense of safety. They can re-traumatize people who are already fighting invisible battles.
This is why I’ve decided to pursue certification in Trauma-Informed Leadership through the Workplace Peace Institute. I want to learn more, grow more, and lead better. I believe every leader should receive some form of training in trauma-informed leadership, mental health, and even psychology. Without it, we risk unintentionally causing more harm to the very people we’re meant to guide and support.
We also have to remember that trauma shows up in different ways—through responses like freeze, fight, flight, fawn, and even flop. When someone feels threatened or backed into a corner, it becomes almost impossible for them to think clearly or make good decisions. Recognizing these responses allows us to respond with compassion instead of criticism, helping people get back on track without stripping them of their dignity.
Yes, leaders are responsible for results. But we can’t drive performance without trust. And trust only exists when people feel safe—psychologically, emotionally, and professionally. If employees shut down because they don’t feel safe, we all lose.
That’s why trauma-informed leadership is so important. It’s about asking: How can I help? What does this person need to thrive? It’s about leading in a way that strengthens people rather than breaks them down.
My hope is that more organizations embrace this mindset and make trauma-informed training a standard for leadership. Because when we lead with empathy, awareness, and accountability, we don’t just build better teams—we build stronger, healthier people.
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Call to Action
If you are a leader, I encourage you to take time to learn about trauma-informed leadership. Reflect on your words, your tone, and your behaviors. Ask yourself: Am I creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive?
And if you’re an organization, consider making trauma-informed leadership training part of your leadership development programs. It’s not just an investment in your people—it’s an investment in the long-term success and health of your workplace culture.
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Resources to Explore
• Workplace Peace Institute – Trauma-Informed Leadership Certification (https://www.workplacepeaceinstitute.com/)
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services (https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health-Services/SMA14-4816)
• National Center for PTSD – Understanding Trauma Responses (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/)
• Harvard Business Review – What Managers Need to Know About Trauma-Informed Leadership (https://hbr.org/)
• Center for Creative Leadership – Psychological Safety in the Workplace (https://www.ccl.org/)
