Connect May/June 2023

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

May/June 2023

It’s during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

–ARISTOTLE –

Connect

Creative

Hello Friends,

In this issue of Connect, we decided to focus on an issue that is more serious than our normal topics but one that we are all faced with daily--Mental Health. Mental health affects everyone from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Each person experiences mental health differently. Mental health is a concern for all of us and one of the greatest things we can do as a society to help heal is to talk about it. We need to discuss it in our homes, around the dinner table as we talk about our day, with friends over a glass of wine. Have you ever had a friend that you were just worried about? Something just “seemed off”? Don’t ignore the warning signs. We all try to mask our problems and worries but friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health. I don’t know about you, but my friends and family keep me grounded, help me keep things in perspective, and help me manage life’s problems when they get too big for me to carry on my own. Pay attention to your family and friends and always know that someone is here to help and listen.

Contributors

We have so many resources right here in Angelina County. Did you know that if you are in a crisis, feeling suicidal, or not sure what is wrong, you can call 988? A trained medical professional will answer the line and help lead you to the help you might need. Whether it is to Ocean’s Behavioral, The Burke, a licensed counselor, or the emergency room. They are on call 24 hours a day. You can also hear from some great resources this month speaking on this issue on our Connect Podcast. My co-host, Blake Pollino with BP Media, and I sit down and discuss resources that we have available for East Texans. The Connect Podcast is available on all podcatchers.

Burt Hairgrove

Tara Hendrix Amanda Powell

Slow down and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the resources we are blessed to have in our neck of the woods and always know that there is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. Glenn Close once said, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation about an illness that affects not only individuals but their families as well.”

You are NOT alone.

Blessings,

Tara Watson-Watkins President / CEO

Investor Renewals for February & March 2023

February

Outback Steakhouse

Wooded Acres Apartments

Holmes Smokehouse

American Legion Auxiliary #113

East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope

Mustang Tractor & Equipment

Don W. Duran, Attorney at Law

East Texas Slab Masters

Optimum

Sonic Drive-in

Gann Medford Real Estate - Sid Medford

Contractor's Supplies, Inc.

Duran Pools & Spas

Summit Fire & Security

Buckner Children & Family Services

Mike Love & Associates, LLC

Century 21 Cota Realty

Sound Works

NacSpace

Angelina Title, L.L.C.

Tsubaki Japanese Steak House & Sushi

Deep East Texas Self Insurance Fund

Elite Medical Home Care

Chick-Fil-A West

Lopez Pressure Wash

Stubblefield Learning Center

S.Y. Distinctive Homes, LLC

Tucker Family Medicine

Todd Kassaw

First Christian Preschool

Alexander Electric, Inc.

In & Out Clinic

Red Wing Shoe Store

Angelina Pediatrics

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark

BSRK Inc. Dba. ServiceMaster Piney Woods

Nature's Eye, LLC

March

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Texas Forest Country Partnership

Hanger Clinic

Gipson Funeral Home

Grandough Baking Company

Office Barn

Superior Cleaning and Restoration

Merrill Lynch

Kevin Strickland Properties LLC

Bob Brown

Naskila Casino

Greater East Texas Community Action Program

Courtyard By Marriott

MSGPR Ltd Co.

Derby Ice Company

American Legion

Amerion Telecommunications, Inc.

Commercial Bank of Texas - Tulane Branch

Angelina Arts Alliance

Hope ER

HOPE Quick Care

Seventy Nine Photography

Keller Williams - Buchanan Realty Group

The Heart Institute of East Texas

B & L Prosthetics

Love's Travel Stop #709

Piney Woods Oral Surgery

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance-Brandie Garner

Rogue Prosthetics

Steel Horses

Texas Metal Casting Company

DEMCO Manufacturing, Inc.

ABC Auto Parts #38

Sterling Site Access Solutions

Phoenix Graphic Design + Marketing

Ribbon Cuttings

Chamber Celebrations

Angelina Animal Hospital Red Carpet Salute 2205 N. Timberland Dr. | Lufkin 936-634-9412

angelinaanimalhospital.vetstreet.com

Axley & Rode, LLP Red Carpet Salute 1307 S. First St. | Lufkin 936-634-6621

axleyrode.cpa

Basham Construction Ribbon Cutting 3772 Ted Trout Dr. | Lufkin 936-671-1615

bashamconstructionlufkin.com

Crumbl Cookies Ribbon Cutting 4505 S. Medford Dr. Suite 313 | Lufkin 936-225-4992

crumblcookies.com/txlufkin

Gasburner Academy Ribbon Cutting 3701 Ellen Trout Dr. Suite 1 | Lufkin 936-221-1372

gasburneracademy.com

Hollywood Dental Center Ribbon Cutting 1703 Tulane Dr. | Lufkin 936-632-4477

hollywooddentaloflufkin.com

Knotin Top Ribbon Cutting

2524 US-69 N. | Lufkin 936-526-8200

knotintop2.com

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Adolescent Outpatient Program Red Carpet Salute 302 Gobblers Knob Rd. | Lufkin 936-632-2276

oceanshealthcare.com

Roost Ribbon Cutting

4415 S. Medford Dr. | Lufkin 936-955-6891

Roosttx.com

Law Office of Maira F. Carrillo, PLLC Ribbon Cutting

124 E. Lufkin Ave. | Lufkin 936-639-2070

carrillolawtx.com

Optimum Ribbon Cutting

4505 S. Medford Dr. Suite 103 | Lufkin 936-639-1116

optimum.com

White Ivy Salon Ribbon Cutting

1404 E. Denman Ave. | Lufkin 936-676-8384

whiteivy-salon.com

Prioritizing Mental Health:

Strategies for Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

By: Laura Beth Cooper, Ph.D. Owner & Psychologist, Connections Counseling & Psychological Services

Inrecent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace. As a result, managers and employers have started to recognize that they have a role to play in protecting the mental health of their employees. This is not only an ethical obligation but also a practical one, as employees who are struggling with mental health issues are less productive, less engaged, and more likely to take time off work. Furthermore, workplace stress and burnout can have a negative impact on an employee's overall wellbeing and may even lead to long-term mental health problems. Therefore, it is crucial for managers to take proactive steps to create a supportive and healthy work environment that prioritizes the mental health of their employees. By doing so, they can not only improve the wellbeing of their workforce but also enhance productivity and profitability in the long run. Here are some steps any employer can take to begin making a positive impact on employees’ mental health.

Employers can improve mental health in the workplace by creating a culture of engagement. Psychologist Harry Stack Sullivan theorized that your mental health is related to the quality of your interpersonal relationships. It is common to spend more hours with our coworkers than our own families, therefore it is important to cultivate healthy relationships in the workplace. This can be achieved when leaders and managers foster open communication, encourage feedback and collaboration, and promote a sense of purpose and belonging. When employees feel engaged and connected to their work and colleagues, they are more likely to experience positive emotions, higher job satisfaction, and a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment. This, in turn, can lead to improved mental health and well-being. Employers who

prioritize engagement and create a supportive and inclusive work culture can reap the benefits of a more productive, motivated, and mentally healthy workforce.

Employers can improve mental health in the workplace by checking in with their employees' level of burnout. This can be achieved by regularly monitoring employee workload, providing opportunities for rest and recovery, and encouraging employees to take time off when needed. Employers who prioritize burnout prevention and create a culture of self-care and worklife balance can reduce the risk of burnout and related mental health issues. Additionally, by showing concern and support for their employees' mental health, employers can build trust, loyalty, and commitment among their workforce, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. At Connections, I check in with my staff weekly to ask them about their level of burnout and offer support for those who are reporting high levels of burnout. In addition to the benefits above, it also serves as a reminder to my employees that I want them to be happy and healthy.

Finally, employers can improve mental health in the workplace by modeling a good work-life balance. We are more productive when we are well rested and have had some time away from the office. This is true for employers and employees alike. Employers can model a healthy work-life balance by setting realistic expectations for work hours, encouraging employees to take breaks and time off, and promoting flexible work arrangements. Employers who prioritize their own work-life balance and demonstrate a commitment to their employees' mental health can create a culture of well-being that promotes employee satisfaction and retention. Additionally, by modeling healthy work habits, employers can reduce stress and burnout in their workforce and foster a more positive and productive work environment.

Lufkin Counseling

Dr. Crystal Bonner, LPC-S

Itis essential to have a work-life balance to keep your stress reduced and improve your mental health. Part of having a work/life balance is making sure you understand the warning signs your body is signaling. Are you having difficulty sleeping? Are you noticing tightness in your shoulders or an increase in headaches? Do you find that you're overcommitted at work or home and bring those obligations between locations? Sometimes we must look at responsibilities and determine where changes can occur. These are just a few things that can help reduce your stressors. Try setting small goals at home and work so you can see the progress and can check items off your to-do list. Communicate your concerns and needs to those around you who can assist. Set up some time to unplug from your devices, and don't overcommit yourself. Remember to get support from trusted colleagues, friends, and family and seek professional assistance when needed.

When seeking professional guidance, our area has a great group of counselors that offer in-person and virtual sessions and can offer various scheduling options. When choosing a counselor, you should find someone you are comfortable with who specializes in your concerns, including children, couples, trauma, and perinatal mental health. Each counselor brings different backgrounds, training, and therapeutic modalities to the session. It takes time to build trust and isn't an overnight process. When choosing a counselor, ask questions. You are interviewing them to ensure

they are a good fit for you and that you will make a good team for working towards your goals. We want to ensure you succeed, and finding the right person to help you along your journey is a critical part of the process.

Local Resources

• https://namitexas.org/nami-texas-of-nacogdoches/

• https://crcg.hhs.texas.gov/

• Non-profits that offer counseling to kids and adults

• Burke

• ADAC

• Family Crisis Center

• National suicide hotline

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line

• Text "HELLO" to 741741

• Trevor Project-LGBTQ Suicide Help

• Text "START" to 678780

• 866-488-7386

“It’s Ok to NOT Be Ok.” Mental Health Awareness Month

May

is devoted to Mental Health Awareness. A topic that is typically swept under the rug. No one wants to address the topic right! Well, it is my biggest priority to help bring this issue to light and help break the stigma of the labeling mental health issues as being “Crazy”.

First and foremost, you are NOT “Crazy”, it’s called LIFE and it can get hard to cope with alone. The biggest issue that I see many struggling with throughout this pandemic is depression. Depression is a serious mental illness that affects more that 16 million Americans. So many go undiagnosed due to the stigma surrounding the illness. I tell people often; you will see many doctors say that Hypertension is a silent killer. I am here to inform you so is depression. Many people mask the way they truly feel and will tell you they are ok, when deep inside they are struggling and have no idea how to ask for help or where to go to get help. Often, we fear being “Judged” because we do want to reach out for help and so we suffer in silence. I believe in my heart this had led to the increasing amounts of death by suicides in the East Texas Area.

At Oceans Behavioral of Lufkin, we are working to address the growing issue if depression in our communities. We have Community Educators that devote time to serve several different counties and work with our local healthcare partners to educate them on signs and symptoms and helping to get individuals the help they need and deserve.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and or any type of mental illness, please reach out to us. We can assist and help through any crisis. Remember, it is OK to NOT be Ok, just never give up!! The world needs you and you are ENOUGH! Need to know how to even start a conversation about mental health? Check the chart below!

Be Kind to your mind.

Alana Culpepper, MHRM; MAdEd Community Education Director Oceans Behavioral Health - Lufkin

Lufkin, TX: May and June are very significant months at Angelina Arts Alliance. The 2022-2023 live performances end with Kristin Chenowith, and the final two Discovery Series shows, AND the 2023-2024 season is announced to the public on June 2, at the Lufkin Angelina County First Friday lunch at Crown Colony. The Temple Theater Performing Arts Series, and Discovery Series, the Pines Theater Pines Presents Series, and the collaborative Sights & Sounds Series will all be revealed on the first Friday in June. It is certain to be another season of outstanding artists and performances

LIVE FROM LUFKIN!

TEMPLE THEATER: An Evening with Kristin Chenowith May 6, at 7:30 pm – Emmy and Tony award-winning actor and singer best known for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway Musical WICKED. Her career spans film, television, voice-over, and stage.

Don’t miss the last two family-friendly shows of the 20222023 DISCOVERY SERIES! The amazing CIRQUE

KALABANTE’S AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE on Sunday May 21, at 5 pm. Combining traditional African arts with a modern circus performance, this magical, high-energy production will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats. On Sunday June 11, at 2 pm, come ‘MOVE IT! MOVE IT! when the curtain goes up on MADAGASCAR – the MUSICAL. All Discovery Series performances are 60-90 minutes long and will take place at the Temple Theater. General admission tickets are just $6 for youth (ages 17 and under) and $11 for adults. You will find show descriptions at www.AngelinaArts.org.

Angelina Arts Reveals the 2023-2024 Season June 2

PINES THEATER: 2023 Pines Classic Film Series continues with: GREASE - Sing A Long, May 12, STAR

WARS: A New Hope, June 9, and SISTER ACT, July 12. All three films start at 7 pm. The series features a notable film once a month through December. Budget friendly tickets are just $5 each, add drinks and popcorn at $1 each. Bring a date or bring the whole family!

2023 SIGHTS & SOUNDS SERIES: In collaboration with the Museum of East Texas, Angelina Arts Alliance created a family-friendly series intended to highlight the beauty and importance of the visual and performing arts together. Sunday, May 14, at 4 pm Brave Combo performs at the museum. All performances are free to the public and light refreshments will be served.

DATES TO REMEMBER: June 2: 2023-2024 Season

Reveal, at Crown Colony, Chamber First Friday Lunch

July 3 – 28: Become a new 2023-2024 season ticket holder

Angelina Arts Alliance box office & administrative operations are at 108 S. First Street, Lufkin. Tickets are available online, in-person, and by phone. For the latest information, and full show descriptions visit www.angelinaarts.org.

Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which enrich, engage, and educate the community.

To receive e-mail updates or brochures by mail call Monday – Friday 11 am - 5 pm, 936-633-5454.

CIRQUE

KIDS

AngelinaArts.org

KALABANTE: AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE

• To add your donation, simply pay the amount on your bill listed as “Total Including AB/C Donation”.

• If you are paying online you have the same option of adding the $1 donation.

• The donation is unable to be added to automatic online payments at this time.

BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

Through tree planting, flower bed installation, and litter cleanups - AB/C continuously works to help make Angelina County a beautiful place to live, work, and play.

LITTER CLEANUPS

AB/C hosts cleanup events consistently throughout the year. The $1 donations are essential in helping us provide water/cleanup supplies for our volunteers. More donations = more litter cleanups!

PROGRAMS

AB/C leads county-wide recycling initiatives and is constantly raising the bar for environmental stewardship. Your $1 donations help us pay for MORE Shred Days, and more e-waste/hazardous waste collections.

Greetings from the Expo!

By Burt Hairgrove

Mayand June are some of our favorite months of the year here at the Expo. The youth rodeo season has ended and one of our biggest events of the year come and go in April, the Angelina Benefit Rodeo. The type of events we host through the summer months changes a little bit. The one we are most looking forward to happens on May 13 this year. The 39th Annual Expo Anniversary Party. This fundraising event is arguably the most important Saturday night in the arena all year. The Expo is operated as a 501c3 non-profit organization and depends greatly on financial support from our community to maintain the facility. The Expo Party gives folks the opportunity to do just that, but in the most fun way possible…food, music, drinks, and prizes with friends! The Angelina County Go Texan Cook Team has volunteered to prepare the crawfish and steak dinner. Our sponsors are, Hospitality: Consolidated Communications, Silver: Brookshire Brothers/Rush Truck Center/Security and Guaranty/Southside Bank/VeraBank/West Fraser, In-Kind: Lufkin Printing/Lufkin Coca-Cola, Thank you! There will be a 10-gun raffle and dessert auction immediately to follow. If you missed it, make plans to come out next year and be a part. This is a great way for businesspeople in Lufkin to network and show their customers and employees appreciation.

May also marks the end of the school year and we are proud to host Hudson Middle School Field Days on May 17. Then, on May 19 Brandon Elementary Field Days comes to the Expo. On Saturday, May 27 a motorcycle stunt show and circus takes place in the arena. Extreme Moto Circus is a great event to bring the family to. One show only.

June slows down a little bit and gives us some time to do some “spring cleaning” and mowing/landscaping projects. In addition, we host the Ark-La-Tex Longhorn Association’s Summer Show. You will see some of the best examples of the longhorn breed anywhere right here in Lufkin.

If you need any information about events, booking, or activities here at the Expo, just give me a call anytime at 936|637|3976.

Hope to see you out at the Expo soon!

As always, See you at the Expo!

Burt

Burnout Prevention is Your Best Retention Strategy

Employeeshave never been more stressed than they are today. U.S. and Canada are the world’s most stressed-out workers. 60% of associates report feeling “emotionally detached” while at work, and 19% consistently feel “miserable”, according to Gallup. The last three years have been stressful as people have had to adjust to changes and disruptions caused by the pandemic; working from home, social issues, serious health problems, economic concerns including supply and labor shortages. It’s no wonder occupational phenomenons like the great resignation, quietly quitting and burnout have wreaked havoc on our businesses. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the issue is compounded because the loyal employees are left carrying the extra weight which puts them at higher risk. Employee wellbeing is critical for an organization's success, which includes mental, and is often forgotten by employers. Not only does it drastically impact employee engagement and productivity, but retention, and ultimately the bottomline. High achieving employees are most susceptible to burnout because of their commitment to working hard and excellence that induces high and often chronic stress, which is often the very behaviors that drive them to burn out and walk away. Burnout can be caused by work-life imbalance, extreme behaviors such as overworking or perfectionism, professional culture, and lack of support. The cost to businesses with employees experiencing burnout are far reaching and include; increased sick time used because of stress related illnesses, irritability or impatience with co-workers, patience or clients, reduced productivity because of sleep and concentration issues, cynicism, and if left untreated, turnover.

So What are the Symptoms of Burnout?

• Prolonged exhaustion which can be mental, physical or emotional

• Overwhelmed to the point where you have trouble getting started

• Cynical or critical at work

• Feelings of inadequacy or ineffectiveness – things that used to seem simple are now difficult

• Irritability or a feeling of being on edge

• Struggle to find satisfaction in your achievements - “was that even worth it?”

• Experiencing sleep habit changes, digestive problems, anxiety or situational depression, or tension headaches

• Being disillusioned by your job

How Can Employers Help Manage Burnout and Retain their Employees?

• Prioritize mental health support and education

• Encourage work-life balance by providing healthy work expectations (whether at home or in the office), and making excessive overtime the anomaly instead the norm

• Create a culture where employees feel free to communicate when they are overwhelmed and may need support

• Recognize the importance of stress management and self -care

Fewer than one in four U.S. employees feel like their employer cares about their wellbeing, the lowest in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, it is more important than ever for employers to take an active role in managing burn out and the mental health of their employees. It’s an opportunity employers can’t afford to ignore.

By, Tara Odell, former 20 year corporate executive that experienced burn out and is now a burnout management coach

Tara was the guest speaker at our April Women’s Networking Luncheon

Angelina Arts Alliance-Temple Theater

Angelina Arts Alliance is a local non-profit organization and professional performing arts presenter which brings world-class LIVE entertainment to the state-of-theart, 891-seat Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus. They also operate The Pines Theater which is a historic movie theater located in downtown Lufkin. angelinaarts.org

The History Center

The History Center collects, preserves, and makes available the history of our region and its people for the educational use and benefit of present and future generations. The History Center is free to the public and invites researchers and as well as the generally curious to enjoy our educational offerings both onsite and online. thehistorycenteronline.com

Museum of East Texas

Originally in a historic 1906 church, the Museum contains an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures produced by East Texas artists as well as American, Latin American, and European masters. Exhibitions, lectures, workshops, children’s events, and fundraisers cover a wide range of interests and topics available at the Museum of East Texas. metlufkin.org

Ellen Trout Zoo

The Ellen Trout Zoo is a small zoo founded by Walter Trout in 1967 and gets about 150,000 visitors a year. The zoo currently houses about 700 animals and helps conserve close to 50 different species of animals that are in a Species Survival Plan. ellentroutzoo.com

Must-See Arts and Culture Attractions in

Angelina County

Downtown Lufkin

Downtown Lufkin is the site of many eating establishments, unique retail shops, and antique collections. Also, a historic walking tour reveals the history of Lufkin. Don’t miss the beautiful murals painted by Lance Hunter throughout the downtown area. There are five, each depicting historic businesses or tales of Lufkin. In city hall, you’ll find the Medford Western Art Collection, which features beautiful Western Art. visitlufkin.com

George H. Henderson Expo Center

The George H. Henderson Expo Center is one of the prominent event venues in the region. Among the events organized here are rodeos, horse shows, concerts, arts festivals, and much more. angelinaexpocenter.com

Crown Colony Country Club-Golf Course

Crown Colony is a relaxed, friendly residential community, situated amidst beautiful Pineywoods and is consistently rated as one of the top 10 golf courses in Texas. Recreation is the name of the game at Crown Colony. Besides golf, you can enjoy Championship tennis facilities, an Olympic-sized pool, and superb dining in a warm and elegant atmosphere. crown-colony.com

Lake Sam Rayburn

Being the largest man-made lake in the State of Texas, Lake Sam Rayburn offers great water activities. With over 750 miles of shoreline, it covers 114,500 acres with a maximum depth of 80 feet. There are 4 marinas, cabin rentals, and camping spots. samrayburn.com

Texas Forestry Museum

One of the largest museums of its kind in the United States, the Texas Forestry Museum is a fun place for the whole family to look at the past, present, and future of treesHow we grow trees, harvest trees, transport trees, process trees, and use trees in our daily lives. Featured exhibits include Sawmill Town, Paper Mill, Money Trees, logging train, fire tower, and Urban Wildscape Trail. treetexas.com

Lufkin Pitser Garrison Convention Center

The Lufkin Pitser Garrison Convention Center provides a location for a variety of Events and Gatherings. It is a large Venue with a flexible floor plan and breakout rooms. The Convention Center features three separate state-of-the-art sound systems, a catering kitchen, and a fullservice staff to help with your needs. visitlufkin.com

Improve Your Leadership Skills by Thinking Differently

Isyour team stagnant, or is there a sense of tension in your department? It may not be "just your gut feeling," but rather an indication that your team is in a "flight or fight" mode. Today, we're looking at three distinct emotional states in the workplace, fight, flight, and flow, and the implications when leaders shift out of flow and into flight or fight.

Start With Team Analysis

The condition of your workplace may reflect your own state of mind as a leader. If you're feeling in flight-or-fight mode, it's hard to lead your team in a creative, problem-solving flow. Let's look at the emotional state of each "zone":

Fight is a feeling of anxiety or a need to trump a co-worker in being right. The fight feeling is one where people feel threatened or there is a noticeable divide between groups in a team. Stress in the work environment and a lack of direction or resources can lead to infighting. Office politics and unskilled leadership can lead to people being more focused on fear of failure or retribution, and the team loses cohesiveness.

Flight feels like wanting to hide and avoid conflict. In this environment, employees feel like there's little they can do to change things and mainly keep their heads down. Innovation stagnates, and enthusiasm for the team's goals wanes.

The flow state is one where collaboration and innovation are at their highest. Everyone on the team feels relaxed and excited about the project or new ideas. "Flow state" is a feeling of creative energy, cited by professional athletes, musicians, and writers as a time when they're focused on a goal. For collaborative teams, flow state is the kind of working environment where everyone is focused on the task and feels they're heard.

Becoming more self-aware of your own working emotional state and the state of others around you can help you make better leadership decisions.

Solving Fight or Flight Mode to Achieve Flow

A new project, start-up company, or special team often starts with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Over time, however, and with poor leadership, the organization can shift from a productive, cohesive team to a more toxic workplace, and leaders lose a sense of cohesiveness and flow.

So how can leaders keep their team from slipping into a fight or flight mode? The first way is to look at your emotional state. Are you tense and hyper-focused on being "right" more than team success? Or maybe you feel like your suggestions for improvements are like yelling into the void, and your team has given up. If you note that you're consistently in flight or fight, your team has probably picked up on it, and they, too, are mimicking your state.

Stop, take a breath, and calm yourself. Once you're calm, assess the workplace situation to determine what's causing your frustration. Is there competition among team members for scarce resources? Is your team frustrated because their suggestions are falling on deaf ears? Is office politics or territorialism reducing efficiency? Once you've found the problems, you can work toward a solution.

When your employees see you working to change and address their concerns, they, in turn, may follow your lead. However, moving from a fight or flight workplace environment can take time, so it's essential that you show patience and a commitment to resolving the issues that caused your team to stagnate.

TOURNAMENT 2023

Chamber Day - Leadership Lufkin in Austin

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by St. Luke’s Health Memorial

March First Friday Luncheon Presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola and Sponsored by McWilliams and Son

February Power Networking Breakfast Presented by SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches and Sponsored by The Heart Institute of East Texas

Chamber Lunch Bunch

Leading Edge

Chamber Diplomats

Leading Edge is a fellowship, empowering early to midcareer professionals for lifelong community engagement and leadership through service on nonprofit boards. For more information, contact the Director of Leadership Programs, Lyndsey Brawley at LBrawley@LufkinTexas.org.

The activities of the Diplomat program enable Chamber members to learn about business opportunities, networking, community education, economic development, and legislative issues. For more information, contact the Director of Membership, Colleen Murray at CMurray@LufkinTexas.org.