Kathy Rice and Eric Harvey gut-level, real-world messages from employees to managers healthcare edition walk awhile in shoes my
Dear Manager: (introduction)
On “change”
On caring for patients
On “no win” situations
On performance evaluations
On loyalty
On “being in on things”
On respecting my time
On resolving disputes
On participative management
On recognition
On the joys of the job
On “the future”
What I ask of you
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The Messages
— 1 —
Dear Manager:
I am every employee, and I work
in every part of this organization. My collar is
blue, pink, and white – frequently stained with
the sweat of hard work ... and sometimes tears.
I am man, and I am woman.
I’m every color, every belief, and every size.
I’m old, young, and everything in between. I’ve
worked here longer than you and not as long as
you. I am a daughter. I am a son. I’m married
and single, a parent and without children. I’m
alone, and I’m surrounded by people I care
about deeply.
Sometimes you may think of
me only as a number, or perhaps just another
small cog in a very large wheel that you have to
manage. But like you, I am a human being filled
with joys, fears, frustrations, and hopes. I feel,
and I laugh, and I hurt. And, like you, I want to
be understood, accepted, and appreciated.
— 2 —
— 3 —
The following pages are about
opening up to you – about sharing my feelings
on just a few of the many aspects of my job and
how they affect me. Some of what you read may
surprise you … some may bring a laugh or two.
All of these pages, I hope, will encourage you to
see me in a new, and perhaps much different,
light.
I ask that you receive these
messages with the same level of compassion and
understanding that you wish from me as I read
the flip side of this book. Chances are we’re not
as different as you may think. And just maybe,
you’ll be more inclined to “meet me in the
middle,” where we can begin a new and better
working relationship.
Hear me. Understand me.
Walk awhile in my shoes.
t’s not so much
that we’re afraid of change
or so in love with
the old ways, but it’s that
place in between
that we fear ... it’s like being
between trapezes.
It’s Linus when his blanket
is in the dryer.
There’s nothing to hold on to.
– Marilyn Ferguson
I
— 4 —
Okay, I admit it. When it comes to change, my first thoughts tend to be pretty self-centered: What about ME? Will I have a job? Will it be the same job? Will I still be able to work with my friends? Will I be able to handle the new demands and challenges facing all of us in healthcare? Will I still be able to get satis- faction from what I do? What’s the secret plan ... the hidden agenda? What? You don’t have a plan? YIKES! No wonder I’m stressed. Change is particularly tough on me be- cause when it comes “rolling downhill,” guess who’s usually standing at the bottom of the hill? Me! I’m rarely the “decider,” but almost always the “doer.” Seems like I no sooner get comfortable and proficient with my job and WHAM! – a whole new set of requirements, protocols, and expectations are dropped on me. I do like feeling that I’m helping our patients and making a contribution to this organization. But, to be per- fectly honest, it’s getting harder and harder to feel that way. Like you, I’m learning that life and con- tinuous change are one and the same. But some changes are a lot easier to swallow than others. I’m basically okay with doing things differently to keep up with advancements in patient care – even though I question the “bureaucracy” that frequently comes with them. But I do resent those changes that are sometimes required because you screwed up or didn’t think things through. Maybe if you asked my opinion a little more often, that wouldn’t happen. My biggest problem with change comes when you don’t take the time to explain why! If you know why, tell me, and you’ll increase the odds that I’ll support what has to be done. If you don’t know why, try to find out ! And then let me know. I’m struggling with this new healthcare environment of ours. I’m doing the best I can, but I’m scared. A little more sensitivity and patience on your part would go a long way toward helping me cope. Change may not be easy for you, but at least you’re calling some of the shots. Try walking awhile in my shoes! on “change” — 5 —
’re in
the caring business.
But lately it seems like
all the emphasis is on
the business part –
with the caring part
left to us to figure out.
– Anonymous R.N.
— 6 —
