How to Be a Better Human – Fixable: “How do I balance what I want to do with what I NEED to do?”

Intro

In this episode of the “How to Be a Better Human” podcast, hosts Morris and Frances Fry tackle the topic of balancing personal desires with professional responsibilities. They provide actionable insights and solutions to help listeners create meaningful change in the workplace.

Main Takeaways

Improving Communication in Healthcare

• Poor communication among healthcare teams can lead to poor patient outcomes.
• Nurses often end up being the middleman for different teams, causing frustration and miscommunication.
• Breakdowns in communication can occur due to the complexity of the healthcare system and temporary teams coming together.
• Positive relationships between doctors and nurses can improve communication and patient care.
• Creating a structured onboarding process for new hires can improve communication and relationships between team members.

Building Personal Relationships

• Building personal relationships outside of work can strengthen teamwork in healthcare.
• Doctors who spend time at the nurse’s station and engage in chit chat are more likely to build personal relationships with nurses.
• Structured activities to introduce new providers to their colleagues can improve personal relationships and teamwork.
• Welcoming new team members with a sign or message can help humanize interactions and improve relationships.
• Identifying allies within the system who can help introduce positive changes is important.

Transparency and Clear Communication

• Transparency is crucial in communication, and patients need to understand why certain procedures are being done.
• Transparency and clear communication of the “why” is crucial in avoiding communication breakdowns in organizations.
• Process and finding a way for everyone to hear important information is essential in team contexts.
• Reliable miscommunication is predictable in systems with a scarcity of time and space for operators to reflect.
• The system needs a top-down solution to meet the needs of those working bottom-up.

Summary

Improving Communication in Healthcare

Poor communication among healthcare teams can have serious consequences for patient care. Nurses often find themselves caught in the middle of different teams, leading to frustration and miscommunication. Breakdowns in communication can occur at all levels, including between consulting teams. Lack of communication can cause confusion and anxiety for patients, highlighting the importance of transparency and clear communication in the healthcare system. Building positive relationships between doctors and nurses can improve communication and ultimately enhance patient care. Creating structured onboarding processes and fostering personal relationships outside of work can also strengthen teamwork and prevent negative attributions from arising.

Building Personal Relationships

Building personal relationships outside of work is crucial for effective teamwork in healthcare. Doctors who take the time to engage with nurses at the nurse’s station and establish personal connections are more likely to foster positive relationships. Structured activities and welcoming gestures for new team members can also contribute to improved relationships and communication. Identifying allies within the system who can help introduce positive changes is important for creating a supportive work environment. By incorporating informal conversations and getting to know colleagues on a personal level, healthcare professionals can build stronger relationships and enhance patient outcomes.

Transparency and Clear Communication

Transparency and clear communication are vital in both healthcare and organizational settings. Patients need to understand the reasons behind certain procedures to alleviate anxiety and build trust. In organizations, transparency and clear communication of the “why” can help avoid breakdowns and ensure everyone is on the same page. Establishing processes and systems that allow important information to be heard by all team members is essential for effective teamwork. Addressing reliable miscommunication requires creating an environment that allows operators to reflect and communicate effectively. Ultimately, improving communication requires a top-down solution that meets the needs of those working on the front lines.

Conclusion

Balancing personal desires with professional responsibilities is a challenge many individuals face. In this episode, Morris and Frances Fry provide valuable insights on improving communication in healthcare, building personal relationships, and promoting transparency and clear communication in organizations. By implementing these strategies, individuals can create meaningful change in the workplace and achieve a better balance between personal and professional goals.