How do some employees remain calm under almost any circumstance, while others become easily frustrated? Why can some manage to maintain professionalism at all times, while others take things personally?
Most likely, the staff members who are able to stay calm have developed the ability to “rationally detach” themselves in challenging situations. This means being able to maintain control by not taking negative comments and actions personally—no matter what.
Rational Detachment is a key factor in setting limits with those in your staff’s care. Without this ability, team members can find themselves reacting in a challenging or defensive manner, which will only escalate the situation.
As caregivers, we must find strategies to use that will allow us to stay in control when a crisis situation arises, so that we always react as professionally as possible. By learning and using Rational Detachment, you can maintain a professional attitude and response during a crisis moment, helping you to provide Care, Welfare, Safety, and SecuritySM for those in your care, and for yourself.
To defuse crisis situations when they occur, follow these Rational Detachment techniques:
Strategic Visualization
Have a plan in place before incidents actually occur. Visualize the type of situation that might be difficult or challenging for you to respond to, and practice how to react in a calm and professional manner. By making these decisions ahead of time, your response will be more rational when the need arises.
The “Team Approach’’
Have another member of your staff available for support when working with a person whom you expect might react to your message with hostility. This ensures there is someone to back you up and makes it easier to maintain your professionalism.
Positive Self-Talk
Remind yourself that if you are the target of an outburst or negative situation, you are rarely the cause of the actual behavior.
When an incident does occur with a person in your care, debrief your team members on what happened. By talking about it, you can better deal with your emotions and discuss how to improve response in the future.
Most importantly, recognize that being a professional does not mean you can handle every situation that you face. Some days can be challenging, but remember that you are only human. Sometimes the most professional decision you can make is to step aside and let someone else take over.
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Great article, may I use this artle in a training if credit is given to you?
Great article, may I use this article in trainings if I give you the credit?
Yes, and thank you!