Ep 29. Building Trust as a Creative Leader with Artist Kane Kongppien (he/him)
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Artist, Dancer, and Creative Leader Kane Kongppien (he/him) explore the depth of what it truly means to build trust and emotional safety with your creative colleagues.
In this episode we answer:
What emotional safety means in a professional environment
How leading LGBTQ+ Pride events at Disney and in SoCal cities builds community
What changes in Kane’s life inspired him to break his own intergenerational cycles
Compassionate and mindfulness strategies to utilize in your workplace to enhance connection and emotional safety
Join us as we dive deep into Kane’s experience and how shifting his leadership style enhanced the safety, mental health, and creative expression for himself and his team.
The secret sauce to unlocking the full potential of your creative team.
As an LGBTQ+ therapist and a believer in the power of creative expression, let's dive into the wonderful world of building emotional safety in the workplace, especially for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're a team leader, a manager, or just someone passionate about fostering a positive environment, creating emotional safety is the secret sauce to unlocking the full potential of your creative team.
First things first, let's talk about why emotional safety matters. For LGBTQ+ individuals, navigating the workplace can sometimes feel like walking on a tightrope. Creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued is not just a professional responsibility but a compassionate commitment to the diverse identities within your team.
Start by cultivating a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Embrace diversity in all its forms, and make sure everyone knows that their unique experiences and perspectives are not just welcome but celebrated. As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of validation and acceptance in creative spaces. It opens the floodgates to innovation and authenticity.
Communication is key, my fellow creative leaders!
Foster open and honest dialogue within your team. Encourage feedback, questions, and discussions about the creative process. An LGBTQ+ therapist knows that communication is the lifeline of emotional safety, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
Lead by example.
Show vulnerability and authenticity in your own creative process. As an LGBTQ+ leader, sharing your experiences can create a sense of connection and solidarity within the team. It breaks down barriers and inspires others to bring their authentic selves to the creative table.
Incorporate regular check-ins into your team routine.
These check-ins aren't just about projects and deadlines – they're about checking in on the emotional well-being of your team members. An LGBTQ+ therapist understands the importance of creating space for individuals to share their feelings, struggles, and triumphs. It builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging.
Now, let's talk about the magic of creative expression!
Encourage your team to infuse their unique identities into their work. Whether it's through art, music, writing, or any other creative outlet, the LGBTQ+ community brings a kaleidoscope of perspectives that can elevate your projects to new heights. As a therapist, I've witnessed the healing power of creative expression, and it's a tool that can strengthen emotional safety within a team.
Address conflicts with empathy and a commitment to resolution.
Conflicts are inevitable, but how we handle them defines the emotional safety of our workspace. An LGBTQ+ therapist advocates for resolving conflicts through understanding, active listening, and finding common ground. It's about creating a space where disagreements can be addressed with respect and empathy.
Lastly, celebrate successes, big and small.
As a creative arts leader, acknowledge and appreciate the unique contributions of each team member. Create an environment where accomplishments are celebrated, and everyone feels recognized for their efforts. As a therapist, we see first hand how the power of positive reinforcement in building confidence and emotional safety in the workplace transcends into positive ripple effects into each person’s personal life.
Overall, creating emotional safety as a creative arts leader in the workplace is a journey of intention, compassion, and celebration of diversity. By fostering inclusivity, encouraging open communication, leading with vulnerability, and embracing the magic of creative expression, you're not just cultivating a workspace – you're nurturing a community. As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I believe that emotional safety is the key to unlocking the full potential of your creative team and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive authentically. Let the creative journey begin!
Guest Bio:
Kane Kongppien (he/him) has been a resident of Orange County for most of his life. Since high school, he's had a passion for the arts and later pursued theater and dance in college. After a few years in college, Kane auditioned to be a parade performer for the Disneyland Resort and has been working there for nearly 25 years. He has worn multiple hats over that time including Parade Specialist, Production Coordinator, Talent Casting Coordinator/Monitor, and now a Maintenance Choreographer. His work has been featured throughout many of southern California's pride celebrations, Disneyland Resort, local schools, and most recently choreographed for the first Pride celebration at Disneyland's inaugural Pride Nite event last June. Kane has taken his passion for dance, and mental health awareness, to help grow a support system within the LGBTQIA community along with his previous service as a director on the OC Pride Board for almost 15 years.
To find more from us visit:
https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout
https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout
Content warning: n/a
Discussed in this episode:
OC Pride
DisneyLand Resort