By Brock Reeson, EHS Administrator, Scott Construction
Suicide continues to impact individuals, families, and communities across America. Financial pressures, relationship struggles, workplace stress, grief, social isolation, and countless other challenges can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Many people find themselves carrying burdens that others cannot see. While every person’s situation is unique, one thing remains true: people often need connection, support, and hope during their darkest moments.
As a retired Deputy Sheriff, I spent years responding to crisis situations and talking with individuals who were considering harming themselves. Some were actively attempting suicide. Others were struggling silently. Those experiences taught me an important lesson that applies not only in law enforcement, but also in the workplace: people want to know that someone genuinely cares.
One of the most powerful ways leaders can demonstrate that care is through Authentic Leadership.
The Power of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership is not about a title, position, or authority. It is about building genuine relationships. Whether you supervise a team of one hundred people or work alongside a small group of coworkers, communication matters.
Growing up, my grandparents worked as janitors. They taught me a simple lesson: whether someone is at the top of an organization or just beginning their career, everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time. Every person deserves dignity, respect, and human connection.
Too often, workplace conversations remain at the surface level. Instead of limiting interactions to small talk, take time to learn about the people around you. Ask about their families, hobbies, interests, career goals, and passions. Show sincere curiosity about who they are as individuals.
Think of an episode of Undercover Boss. Time and again, executives discover the challenges employees face every day while doing their best to provide for themselves and their families. Life is not easy, especially during difficult economic times. Understanding the people around us creates stronger relationships and a healthier workplace culture.
Establishing a Baseline
What should leaders do with the information they learn through these conversations?
Listen, remember, and build rapport.
These interactions are valuable for relationship-building, performance discussions, and employee development. More importantly, however, they help establish a baseline for each individual. A baseline is your understanding of how a person typically behaves, communicates, and interacts. When you know someone’s normal patterns, you are more likely to recognize when something changes. People experiencing a crisis do not always announce it. Sometimes they say nothing at all. A person may suddenly become withdrawn. They may appear unusually emotional. Others may become overly excited, energetic, or act completely out of character. Changes in behavior often communicate far more than words.
A Lesson I Will Never Forget
I will never forget an experience from early in my supervisory career. I had been a Sergeant for only about two weeks and was training with another Sergeant. He was well respected, hardworking, and always seemed positive. As I finished my shift one Friday, I asked him what his plans were for the weekend.
“Fishing,” he replied.
Less than eighteen hours later, he was found on the side of the road after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the letter he left behind, he discussed the breakup with his significant other. To those around him, he appeared fine. Internally, however, he was fighting a battle that few people knew existed. That experience reinforced a painful reality: a crisis can be triggered by any number of circumstances, and sometimes the people who appear strongest are carrying the heaviest burdens.
Peeling Back the Layers
When I talk about establishing a baseline, I often refer to it as peeling back the layers of the onion. As a leader, your goal should be to learn several meaningful things about each person you work with. The deeper the relationship, the more likely they are to reach out when they are struggling. When someone does reach out, listen carefully. If you are genuinely concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, do not avoid the conversation. Asking direct and compassionate questions can help determine whether immediate support is needed.
If a person indicates they are considering suicide, connect them with appropriate resources immediately. Contact emergency services, local crisis teams, mental health professionals, or your organization’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when necessary. Most importantly, do not leave them alone if there is an immediate risk to their safety. Let them know they matter. Remind them of their value. Help connect them with people and resources that can provide support.
It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
Many people in crisis are searching for a permanent solution to what may ultimately be a temporary problem. In those moments, they need support, understanding, and hope. Life can be difficult. Everyone faces challenges. There is no shame in asking for help. That is why authentic leadership matters. Regardless of your title, position, or profession, building real relationships and maintaining open communication can create opportunities to support someone before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
You can attend every leadership conference in the country, but the most important thing is to remain true to yourself. Do not let a title change who you are. Do not spend your career trying to become someone you admire. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself and the first you! Never forget that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time. And no matter what someone does for a living, where they come from, or what they look like, it costs absolutely nothing to be kind.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
In the United States, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instead of Diggers Hotline 811! Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.
