Page 97 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Con ict Management
Teamwork is not easy. Working out problems together is much harder than just reporting them to a supervisor as usually done in institutional nursing homes. Perham’s Marilyn Oelfke explains that the thinking often becomes, “If I don’t face the person creating the problems, then I can talk about (the person in a gossiping fashion).” She also points out that this dilemma creates the need for “crucial conversations.”
A crucial conversation may be in order when staff members take the easy way rather
than pull their own weight – like giving prolonged assistance to an easy-care resident while forcing other caregivers to answer the call lights for those with more heavy-care needs. Another example is the caregiver who decorates the household all day...certainly fun for her, but not for those who have to remind her to do her assigned duties. Truly, successful teamwork is another delicate balance.
Life Skills
Ultimately, a home that commits to the Household Model will not only teach staff members work skills, but also life skills – exactly what crucial conversation and problem- solving abilities are. It is a challenge and an honor to help people learn these basic skills that many never acquire. Often we cringe at conflict and never learn how to kindly and tactfully resolve it. It is truly a gift to staff when homes are committed to helping them grow these skills.
Staff Learning Circle Questions
How are we doing with this tough subject?
Are we having the crucial conversations we need?
Are we approaching them as kindly
and tactfully as we can?
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