October 30, 2024

WTCHH – Episode 14

Opening Up About Organizational Dysfunction 

In this episode, Jennifer & Ashlee discussed various pivotal topics, from understanding the interplay of organizational systems to the multifaceted impact these have on the personal lives of first responders and their families.

Listener Feedback And Emotional Regulation

 

The episode began with feedback from our listeners, particularly touching on the dynamics between siblings. A highlight was when Jennifer humorously acknowledged her tendency to speak over their last guest, attributing it to her role as a big sister. This segued into a more personal connection as Ashlee recounted feeling emotional after a sports event, a vivid example of emotional regulation, something we frequently explore on the podcast.

 

Wading into Organizational Dysfunction

 

Moving into deeper waters, we introduced the concept of “organizational trauma” or “organizational dysfunction.” This is essentially the emotional fallout resulting from negative workplace events within organizational systems, particularly applicable to police departments and firehouses. Both of us emphasized that these systemic pressures don’t just affect the individuals working within them but ripple outwards to their families.

During the discussion, Ashlee shared poignant memories of her father, a dedicated police officer, who often brought work stress home. She reflected on her childhood, recalling the sadness and disappointment she felt upon hearing about internal departmental issues. Ashlee’s father exemplified dedication to community service, yet faced frustrations due to the lack of departmental support, particularly illustrated in an incident where he was reprimanded for using personal resources to aid a homeless elderly woman, demonstrating the conflict between personal ethics and rigid departmental policies.

Jennifer also opened up about her family’s experiences, particularly the emotional toll when her father couldn’t secure a planned promotion because of budget cuts or systemic decisions. Such professional disappointments don’t just stay at work—they affect family morale and dynamics.

 

Impacts of organizational structures

 

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to discussing the broader impact of organizational structures, such as politics within law enforcement agencies like sheriff’s departments, and how these interlinked systems complicate addressing issues. We highlighted the overuse of the term “trauma,” but stressed that organizational dysfunction indeed generates significant stress beyond individual control, often aggravated by perceived favoritism and political maneuvering.

Looking forward, we plan to delve deeper into organizational frustrations and the challenges faced by individuals within these systems. Touching on parenting, we underscored the importance of separating job stress from family life and the value of age-appropriate honest conversations about life’s challenges.

We also explored the nuances of first responder careers—how these roles become core parts of their identity and the resultant stress they communicate at home. This stress can burden family members, leading to disappointment and even anger toward the department. We expressed our commitment to providing a platform for these children to share their experiences and feel heard. Listener participation is vital to us, and we encourage sharing stories to better understand these impacts.

Closing Out

 

In closing, Ashlee & Jennifer addressed mental health among first responders—the “elephant in the room.” As licensed professionals, they find it challenging when clients are affected by issues beyond our control, such as departmental dysfunctions. They are committed to bringing guests who can offer guidance and support for navigating these mental health challenges.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, through open dialogue and shared stories, we aim to shed light on the intricacies of first responder families, fostering a community where experiences are valued and understood. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations in upcoming episodes.

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