How Can You Navigate Challenging Workplace Dynamics and Collaborate Successfully?
Question
How can you navigate challenging workplace dynamics and collaborate successfully?
Answer
Yes, working with strong personalities does exist. We all know we do not get to choose whom we work with. My advice, which has helped me, is to find things you can appreciate about that person. Even if they are small, everyone has something to offer. I am telling you, there are people you know or others who are like, Oh my gosh, this person is the worst. When you see them on the shift, try to find something you admire or appreciate about them.
For example, it could be something that their notes are well written. "I read your notes the other day. It was very well written." You are not looking for feedback. It is a genuine compliment, the person may or may not respond to you, but you want to keep finding those things. Somebody is super neat, or their penmanship is fantastic. Keep finding those things because it will cushion working with such a personality. You can continue to bring down the wall. Do not test other teammates' or coworkers' egos. In healthcare, we all have our stories of what got us into this role in this type of profession.
Suppose we do not know how hard it was for the person to get where they got, how easy, or what challenges or barriers. Know that we all got here in some shape or form and have a story. Testing other team members' coworkers' egos is not worth it. It might feel good in the short term, but it brings negativity. The negativity lasts longer than the short-lived feeling of good after you tear that person to shreds. That is the advice that I give. Forgive the coworker that hurt you. Forgiveness was hard for me because I have been hurt at work a few times. I am somebody. When I am hurt, my guard goes up. I wall up and will give you surface stuff only. When I start to let my guard down, then someone does something, and the wall goes right back up. Do your best to forgive and move on when dealing with strong personalities with people that hurt you.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from Linda Nozart, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C.
Linda Nozart
MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C
Related Courses
Safe and Effective Staffing for Respiratory Therapists
The course reviews the AARC Safe and Effective Staffing Guide and provides practical implications for implementation in respiratory care departments. Managers and directors will understand the tools and available resources, while staff RTs will understand the methodology and appropriate workload expectations.Leadership in Healthcare
A review of the differences between management and leadership, and the importance of leadership in health care. Discussion of leadership styles and leadership development.Effective Conflict Management Between Multidisciplinary Teams
This course gives practical techniques to effectively manage conflict in health care resulting from high stress, fast-paced and demanding work environments. The course offers support and solutions for all levels of employers, including support staff, assistants, clinicians, and management.