Empathy isn’t just important for patients. Empathy is important when dealing with other team members too, even if it can be difficult at times. Nobody knows what one person is dealing with behind the scenes in their personal life. Some people can be difficult to deal with, and it may be tempting to dig in your heels and cause issues with them especially if they are unpleasant. However, you have a great amount of power to influence those around you.
Set a positive example, and lead others by demonstrating to choose the high road even when dealing with negative individuals. Offering compassion and empathy to your team members and giving them the benefit of the doubt when they are in a bad mood or make a mistake will make you a valuable and trusted member of your team.
It’s important to keep these in mind for any instances of personal conflict, whether that’s with a patient, or with another member of your team. Put in the same effort that you do to remain calm and professional with patients with your coworkers and supervisors. Both are equally important for ensuring success.
If you’re in a situation where you are experiencing a conflict with another team member, follow the tips above and in addition, ask yourself:
- Is this behavior unacceptable, reflecting poorly on your mission goals?
- Does this conflict have a negative impact on your office?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, determine the steps needed for conflict resolution and respectfully insist that you work together to fix the problem. If it’s needed, have a leader or supervisor gather the affected parties for a conversation where the issues are managed respectfully and productively.
