In episode #28 of Curiosity at Work podcast: “Curiosity in Community Action with Janice Deguchi,” Dr. Julie Pham interviews Deguchi, executive director of Neighborhood House, a community action organization. They discuss the importance of curiosity in the social service sector, the structure and services of Neighborhood House, and the challenges of practicing curiosity as a leader.
Furthermore, Janice shares insights on the diverse workforce at Neighborhood House, the significance of culturally responsive behavioral health care, and the need for continuous learning in leadership roles.
Key takeaways include:
- Curiosity is essential in the social service sector.
- Community Action organizations are rooted in the civil rights movement.
- Neighborhood House serves a diverse population from birth to end of life.
- A significant portion of the workforce is involved in direct services.
- Diversity in the workforce enhances community engagement.
- Culturally responsive behavioral health care is crucial for immigrant communities.
- Practicing curiosity can be challenging for leaders with busy schedules.
- Slowing down can lead to better decision-making and understanding.
- Peer support and thought partnership are vital for effective leadership.
- Continuous learning through podcasts and peer interactions fuels curiosity.
Check out the full episode on YouTube. More Curiosity at Work podcast episodes can be found here.
