The Power of Listening: Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. on Influencing Organizations, Transforming Systems, and Shaping Public Policy

Chief Influencer

In this interview, Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), reflects on his career and contributions to the nation’s approach to mental health. He discusses his public policy background and tenure as Commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.

Dr. Evans stresses the importance of redefining mental health as a universal issue that affects everyone, not just those with diagnosed conditions. He shares strategies for influencing policymakers and the public, advocates for community-based solutions, and highlights innovative approaches like using murals to reduce stigma.

Dr. Evans also explores the role of technology in improving psychological practices and promoting psychologically healthy workplaces for all. The conversation highlights APA's increasing/growing shift to outward-facing initiatives, leveraging psychological science to address societal challenges. Dr. Evans concludes by offering insights on organizational growth, adapting messaging while staying true to core values, and the role of inspiration in leadership.

Takeaways:

• Use Knowledge to Address Societal Issues: Leverage your organization's expertise and data to tackle pressing societal issues. Ensure that your actions align with your field's core mission and values, as this alignment can increase stakeholder engagement.
• Build Necessary Infrastructure: Success stems from having the right infrastructure in place. Organizations should be designed to achieve desired outcomes, which often means setting up mechanisms for rapid research dissemination and effective communication to stakeholders.
• Measure Impact with Clear Metrics: Track the effectiveness of your initiatives by looking at practical measures such as media mentions, partnerships formed, and the degree to which others use your information. This helps in validating the success and outreach of your initiatives.
• Communicate Based on Facts, Not Emotions: Especially in politically charged environments, it’s crucial to present information objectively and grounded in solid data. This approach lends credibility to your work and helps maintain a long-term, bipartisan influence.
• Promote a Healthy Work Environment: Implement policies that focus on employee well-being, such as regular mental health days, and utilize employee feedback, such as surveys. Encouraging employees to genuinely take time off and address their stressors can vastly improve workplace health and productivity.
• Engage and Listen to the Community: Actively participate in community events and listen to both their needs and their ideas for solutions. This approach ensures that your policies and initiatives are rooted in the real, lived experiences of the communities you aim to serve.
• Inspire Your Team: Keep your team motivated by regularly connecting their daily tasks to the larger organizational mission. Signing off communications with encouraging messages, such as 'stay inspired,' helps maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.

Quote of the Show:

• “Inherent in every community is the wisdom to solve its own problems. When you listen to communities, hear what their issues are, and their understanding of the solutions, you get some very innovative solutions.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-evans-phd/
• Website: https://www.apa.org/

Shout Outs:

• Internal Nectar Program (APA)
  • Allows colleagues to give compliments to one another and illustrates how the APA cares for its employees and members.
• American Medical Associaiton: https://www.ama-assn.org/
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/
• Society of Biological Psychiatry: https://sobp.org/
• Yale University: https://www.yale.edu/
• The City of Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov/
• Terry Szuplat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/
• The White House
• Former President Barack Obama