Hi Brianna, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job
I have learned that the job of a leader is not to be served, but to be the biggest servant. Prior to starting my business, I worked with a few business owners. At times I struggled with being spoken to in a negative manner or given work I felt overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle. However, it helped me develop skills I did not have. For instance, at one point when an office manager at my previous job left, I developed invaluable skills, including how to verify insurance and schedule appointments. When I decided to start my own business, I had the ability to do it alone for a time. About five months into the business, I became too busy to work alone and needed help. However, before hiring I began to consider the type of boss I wanted to be. From my own experience, I realized what made me feel valuable was when my boss checked in and was willing to help when necessary. I also appreciated acknowledgment for my hard work. Therefore, I am always willing to help my staff, listen to them, thank them, and provide small tidbits (like birthday gift cards and lunch) to let them know how valuable they are. I have also been intentional about creating an enjoyable work environment where we all smile, laugh, and are willing to support the vision of Peace of Mind in whatever capacity is needed.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Peace of Mind Psychological Services is a private mental health practice that supports the needs of the entire family. We provide therapy for children, teens, and adults for various diagnoses including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. We also complete psychological evaluations to assess one’s cognitive, academic, and behavioral strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. We help figure out the why when there are questions related to one’s functioning. Our vision is to help provide peace in all circumstances by providing services for the entire family. We have had an increase in clientele with the pandemic, and are blessed and thankful to be able to help our community manage this unfathomable event in the world and its lasting impact in all areas of life.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I have always been a take charge person. I grew up with a single mother who was sick, yet did not let that stop her from working or caring for me. I am also an only child and have often been used to taking care of things. I have had to learn how to delegate. I realized early on that having help, yet doing it all was a disservice to myself and my staff. Now delegating helps me be best at what I do and others to do their part. It also makes work-life balance wonderful and rewarding.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When the pandemic began, we were used to doing therapy in person. Additionally, all paperwork was printed and completed in office, while testing forms were mailed into the office. When we left the office we had to pivot quickly to a virtual platform. I worked hard to find a platform that enabled clients to complete forms online. Now we have the capacity to get things done virtually, which is much quicker and efficient. We also have been able to provide therapy virtually which has created space for people to connect no matter where they are. Despite trail and error, the pandemic has led us to make some changes that make us better equipped to serve our clientele at large.
Contact Info:
- Website: peaceofmindpsychology.com and drbriannagaynor.com
- Instagram: peaceofmindpsychology and drbriannagaynor
- Facebook: peaceofmindpsychology.com
- Linkedin: drbriannagaynor
