Bullying is a complex and pervasive problem. I’m oversimplify it in order to make an important point about the value of integrating Medical Improv into organizational change initiatives involving toxic cultures.
Bullying exists when…
Bullying is a systemic problem in organizations, institutions, community and societies. While victims typically suffer more than bullies, it is a way of being in relationship. Bullying involves aggressive, passive-aggressive, and passive behaviors and cultures that support them. it contributes to mistakes, burnout, poor patient experience, wasted resources, turnover, work-related injuries, and more.
Contributing factors include perceived and/or real threats including but not limited to inequalities such as; money, power, physical size, weapons, group dynamics, positional power, education, religious doctrines and life experiences.
Some people may bully others in some groups while becoming victims of bullying in others and visa versa. These patterns of behavior are very difficult to change because they involve emotional risk, and hard-to-develop ‘soft’ skills including emotional intelligence, listening, and assertiveness. They also require a desire to change, enough psychological safety for growth, trust, practice opportunities, and a culture which supports assertive interactions.
AND not everyone is willing or able to do the work necessary to develop healthy behaviors so a disciplinary process and leadership commitment to it are essential. Nevertheless, for healthcare leaders who wish to promote respectful interactions and cultures, Medical Improv based on “YES AND” can help.
“YES AND” can help
“YES AND” is the golden rule of all forms of improvisation including Medical Improv. There are hundreds of experiential activities utilizing this fundamental principle.
“YES AND” is an antidote to bullying because activities, when facilitated properly, promote ‘soft’ skills and opportunities to experience sharing power in a playful way. Simple activities become practice opportunities where people develop skills, build trust and mutually respectful relationships, increase comfort in sharing power, and over time influence cultures in important ways.
There is a tremendous amount of nuance in “YES AND”. It can even be used to develop the confidence needed to say “No”!
To better understand these ideas explore these free articles and videos and check out these about Medical Improv!
“YES AND” 101 for Healthcare & Mental Health Care Visionaries!
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Friday, Nov 15th: 1-2:30 PM EST.
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And/or purchase “The Medical Improv Toolkit: 10 Simple Activities to Promote Safe Care, Healthy Workplaces, & Rewarding Careers. It is available in paperback on Amazon and in an exclusive pdf edition on Sutra transformational learning platform.
The Medical Improv Toolkit
10 Simple Activities to Promote Safe Care, Healthy Workplaces, & Rewarding Careers!
Written by Beth Boynton, RN, MS, CP
With Ellen Schnur, DTM, CP
Foreword by Michael Smith, MD
Afterword by Mary Elaine Southard, DNP, RN
Endorsements
