A Shrink in a Business?!: A Brief Interview with Psychologists
In today’s business world, organizations need more than management advice—they need insight into leadership and team dynamics. Dr. Reuben and Ashley, licensed psychologists with CMA Global, specialize in boosting performance and well-being. In this interview, they share how business psychologists resolve conflict, enhance communication, and drive impactful change.
Q: Who are you and what do you do? Ashley: Dr. Reuben and I are licensed psychologists with expertise and passion for leadership and team
Ashley: Dr. Reuben and I are licensed psychologists with expertise and passion for leadership and team development. We help these groups improve their team and organizational wellness, communication skills, and leadership abilities. As psychologists, we have a unique appreciation for the complexity of people while attending to the business bottom line. We also bring passion to our work that we have been told is contagious! We are part of CMA Global, a team of social scientists who offer a variety of business services such as assessment, coaching, organizational development, and strategic planning.
Q: What is the single most important advice you have for leaders?
Dr. Reuben: Whether coaching individual leaders or facilitating team retreats, a theme that inevitably emerges in our work is the need for people to practice compassion for themselves and others. I remind people: “Everybody is doing the best they can with what they have.” From this foundation of compassion, leaders can best explore how to make their best even better!
Q: How do I know whether it’d be helpful to hire a business psychologist?
Dr. Reuben: The moment you start asking the question is when we encourage leaders to reach out to us (or someone else who can help). We bring fresh eyes (and experience) to issues that leaders may struggle to see because they are in the forest, so to speak. Other indicators might include unresolved conflict, low team engagement, major organizational changes, team mistrust, and superficial interactions among team members. We identify the root causes of these issues so action can be impactful and sustainable.
Q: How does a typical consulting process work?
Ashley: Broadly, it’s like going to the doctor: there’s a “check-up” (assessment) and then we develop a specific course of action for your needs. That can include (1) plug- and-play workshops (60-90 minutes), (2) half-day and full- day retreats, (3) coaching, and (4) conflict management and teambuilding facilitation. These actions can significantly impact your profitability, employee retention, and ability to fulfill your organizational mission.
Q: Why choose you all as business consultants?
Dr. Reuben: Why not?! 🙂
References
Goleman, D., & Boyatzis, R. E. (2008). Social intelligence and the biology of leadership. Harvard Business Review, 86(9), 74-81.
McKee, A., Boyatzis, R., & Johnston, F. (2020). Becoming a resonant leader: Develop your emotional intelligence, renew your relationships, sustain your effectiveness. Harvard Business Press.
