In the “old days” it was common wisdom that polite people didn’t pursue conversations about politics or religion with others. It just wasn’t done. But, as they say, that was then—and this is now. Today, political discussions in all sorts of settings are rampant, and often vitriolic.
With another contentious election cycle on the horizon, healthcare leaders and staff may find themselves facing challenging political discussions—both with colleagues and patients. While constructive dialogue is important for society, the workplace requires special considerations.
It’s a topic that should be addressed proactively.
Guidelines for Healthcare Staff
Providing your staff with guidelines for dealing with political discussion can help avoid conflict with colleagues—and patients. Set the stage yourself, by following these same guidelines and recommend that they:
- Maintain a neutral stance while at work.
- Redirect conversations to focus on patient care.
- Respect diverse viewpoints without engaging in debates.
In our training program “The Power of One” we talk about the importance of being empathetic toward others and seeking to understand their points of view. We advise that, in order to be truly empathetic, it’s important to suspend judgment and assume a neutral position. This applies not only to patient care, but to interactions with colleagues as well.
Let’s Be Switzerland!
In the workplace we recommend using a response like this when faced with political comments from colleagues, patients or others:
“I appreciate that everyone has their own views on these issues. When I’m at work, I prefer to stay neutral and focus on providing the best possible care for our patients.”
By promoting civility and neutrality, we can create an environment where all staff and patients feel respected, regardless of their political views.
Over the next few months political messages of all kinds will be swirling around us. While at work, let’s take a vow of neutrality with respect. Diffusing the potential tension and divisiveness of political discussion involves empathy and neutrality.
“I respect your right to your views, but let’s not talk about that here. Let’s talk about our commitment to top notch patient care and the patient experience.” That’s something we can all agree on.
Could your organization benefit from a heightened sense of civility? At Baird Group, we offer customized workshops and consulting services to help healthcare leaders navigate change effectively and build resilience in their teams. Contact us to learn more.
Tags: being civil, civility, civility in the workplace, communication and discourse, employee communication, Employee Engagement, practicing civility
