I want to use my skills to help reduce current trends of widespread loneliness, alienation, and division. The question of how to build more connection and positive human interaction is on my mind. Many times, I encounter a gift of some type that is aligned with my purpose. Let me tell you about how that happened recently.
Dr. Claude Steele’s new book, Churn (2026)1
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being introduced via Todd Henry’s Daily Creative podcast (4/29/26) to author Dr. Claude Steele (as an avid podcast listener, you will frequently find me referencing things from the wide range of podcasts that I enjoy!) After I listened to his interview, I couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. Steele’s research and bought his new book, Churn, to learn more. His conclusions seem so evident and yet unacknowledged. They could apply to all the organizations I am part of, and I have decided to share some of what I learned in case it can help others. As a proponent of racial and gender -focused trauma informed care, I found his concepts to fit incredibly well as part of a trauma informed approach. I hope that you can use some of the approaches to support those around you. Many studies show that reducing the presence of churn leads to better results for everyone.
Why churn is unproductive
As Steele (2026) recognizes, we live in a diverse world that can lead to “churn” or extra mental effort for some people. The desire to be accepted and valued is natural. We want to be seen and respected for who we are; not misunderstood, excluded, or stigmatized unfairly. As noted by Steele, anxiety based on anticipation of negative gender or skin color beliefs, can be distracting. We might have witnessed or experienced stigma or stereotyping in the past, we hear stories, etc. This may come to mind when we meet new people or enter new environments. Just like with trauma, it can be critical to see how and when this may be a factor that keeps people stuck. Churn names a process that is invisible but explains one reason why race, gender, and other identity variables can impact human interactions. It also represents an opportunity to reduce a barrier that might interfere with the safe spaces we all need.
The power of trust
Steele has described some simple ways to cut through the churn and create trust. As a trauma informed social worker, it sounds like making people feel safe. This means transparency of interactions and finding the win/win option. Curiosity and desire to learn about individual differences is really helpful. We all need to monitor our internal negative assumptions based on past experience or cultural influences. If there are threats to safety, lets name and remove them so that trust can blossom.
Studies have shown that negative group stereotypes that are “in the air” can inhibit learning, reduce useful feedback, and harm those affected. Thus, it is fascinating that Black middle school students in a classroom who were given an assignment to write about something they valued most in life and why, worried less about negative group identity and showed grade improvement that lasted all the way through high school. Here we see that, even small opportunities to affirm identity and share lived experiences, can build trust. It just requires simple questions, desire to understand, and (an added action of offering practical help when there are real obstacles). This can also be described as starting where people are at, letting them share their needs and agendas, and showing faith that they can achieve their goals (there goes the social worker in me!)
Easy steps for wise safe spaces
- Make key information easily available in the environment
- Ensure transparency for expectations, processes, and tools
- Be sensitive and use early intervention to solve problems
- Commit to fair play
- Show interest in experience as people enter space
- Actively aim for best possible comfort level
So, I hope you learned something useful and enjoyed this peek into both Dr Steele’s work and trauma informed care.
If you are inspired by something here, please share with others!
Bibliography:
1Steele, C.M. (3/3/26). Churn: the tension that divides us and how to overcome it. New York: Liveright.
Stay tuned for more blog posts…