In this episode of the Psych in Business podcast, Dr. Ernest Wayde hosts a conversation with Dr. Robin Graff-Reed. Dr. Graff-Reed is a former supervisor, colleague, and friend from his days at the Department of Veterans Affairs. With over 20 years of experience leading and consulting in the second-largest government entity, Dr. Graff-Reed brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational consulting, executive coaching, and leadership development. She is currently the president-elect of the Ohio Psychological Association.

In this episode, Dr. Graff-Reed shares her unique career journey from writing to psychology and her extensive experience within the VA. The conversation dives into the importance of leadership skills, the role of psychological safety and employee engagement in workplace success, and the intricacies of change management. Dr. Graff-Reed also discusses her current role at the Ohio Psychological Association and the value of having psychologists in leadership positions.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition from Writing to Psychology: Dr. Graff-Reed's journey emphasizes the value of diverse experiences and how her background in writing enriched her psychological practice.

• Importance of Soft Skills in Leadership: Leaders must master people skills, which are often more challenging but crucial for organizational success.

• Psychological Safety and Employee Engagement: Creating a work environment where employees feel safe to speak up and engage in their roles is key to organizational success.

• Change Management: Successful change within an organization requires strong leadership and cannot be outsourced; leaders must be actively involved in the process.

• Role of Psychologists in Leadership: Psychologists bring invaluable insights into human behavior, making them essential in leadership and organizational development.

To learn more about Dr. Robin Graff-Reed, connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-graff-reed-phd-0a78a895/