Introduce
Certain skills are needed to be able to establish and maintain positive relationships with those you interact with in the workplace. Listening is fundamental as it builds trust, encourages understanding, and supports effective communication.
It’s easy to define ourselves as a good listener but then actually spend a lot of the time thinking about what we are going to say next, rather than actually listening to what the person is sharing. Children and families need to interact with professionals and practitioners who will truly listen. Active listening means listening attentively to what the other person is saying and intentionally showing them that you are listening. Watch the following video which highlights what can go wrong with listening!
Develop
Active listening is a communication skill that involves fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to what someone is saying. It goes beyond simply hearing words; it requires attentiveness, empathy, and the ability to provide verbal and non-verbal feedback to ensure the speaker feels understood and valued. The key components are summarised in the image below:
Image source: Lorna Colter
Balancing compassion and empathy with the need to maintain appropriate boundaries is crucial but can sometimes be challenging, depending on your role and environment. Professional boundaries are essential. This includes being mindful not to share too much about your personal life and ensuring parents and children clearly understand your role and the extent of the support you may be offering. Professionals also need to be very careful about connecting with parents or children on personal social media accounts. This can create unethical situations and blur the boundaries which keep everyone safe.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: The following questions encourage self-reflection on how you establish and maintain relationships within your role:
– How can you show empathy and understanding when building relationships in your role?
– Do you maintain appropriate boundaries while still being approachable and supportive?
– How do you balance responsibilities and time constraints with a commitment to building supportive and authentic relationships?