Am I putting myself in other people’s shoes?

• Can I see the challenges that others have and would I change my attitude or what I do as a result?
• Am I being fair?

Seeing things from other people’s perspectives is crucial to working effectively with others. Understanding another person’s role can also help
us to see how we can work together to solve problems and demonstrates care and compassion. 

The key to working together effectively is to listen and to try to see things from other perspectives. It can also reduce conflict and help solve issues that arise. Can you see where the other person is coming from? Would you react in the same way if you were in a similar situation? 

To be empathetic, you have to think beyond yourself and your own concerns. Taking a moment to see the challenges that others face can help you understand and empathise with their situation. It may also change your attitude towards that person or what you do as a result. As an employee of the health service we all have a role to play in supporting patients and service users.

Am I aware that my actions can impact on how people feel?

• Am I a good example?
• Am I aware of how I am heard and seen?

People never forget how you make them feel. We need to be aware that people observe our actions and that our conversations can he heard by others. Tensions between staff can affect morale and people’s experience of the health service. 

How people feel about their interactions with staff can often be a lasting memory. Take a moment to understand how your actions impact on how people feel. Would you be happy if your interaction was replayed back to you? 

How would it make you, or one of your loved ones, feel? When staff engage in a positive, respectful and friendly way it can help to reduce anxiety and create a positive experience for all concerned.

Am I aware of my own stress and how I deal with it?

 Am I dealing with stress appropriately, for myself and others?

 Should I ask for help or support? Am I doing things that can help relieve stress at work?

Recognising when you are under stress is important as it can have an effect on your health and wellbeing and on others around you. Getting support or doing things to relieve stress can help.  

We all experience stress in our lives. It’s important to recognise when you are under too much stress as it can affect your health and wellbeing. It’s vital to acknowledge that how we behave and act, particularly when we are under stress, impacts on both ourselves and those around us. 

This behaviour is about self-reflection and checking in with ourselves to see if we are dealing with stress appropriately. By doing this we become aware of how we are coping. It may result in us taking action such as talking to someone, asking for help or support or looking at ways to relieve stress. We need to recognise and manage our own stress before we can help others. 

Read about the with colleagues  and the with patients/service users.