I’ve previously posted about issues related to mental illness and the workplace – see Clinically Creative, Part 3. Mental illness in the workplace is rarely talked about – there is a ton of stigma. I was pleasantly surprised to find a blog post on a Harvard Business Review blog titled, “Why I Hired an Executive with a Mental Illness.” While reading the article, I was quite blown away thinking about this woman who disclosed her mental illness during a job interview. And I’m thrilled to read about the author’s viewpoints on the very real benefits of including people with mental illnesses in their organization:
Sometimes it’s the person with the mental illness who can provide the cohesion, the humanity, or the breakthrough idea that separates your organization from all the rest. I am not a person who romanticizes mental illness. I do not believe that people on the edge of mania, for example, are more productively creative, insightful, or more brilliant. But I do believe that talented people who suffer from mental illness can add to the mix some different, and important, perspectives. It’s this diversity that is so crucial to good decision-making, and which gives an organization the competitive edge.
The blog post was written by Rob Lachenauer who is the CEO and co-founder of Banyan Family Business Advisors. Thank you for helping to fight the stigma!
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