Learning curves

Spent most of this afternoon thinking about Thursday’s meeting with the department head.

Learning curves

Not going to lie - it was one of those conversations where you walk away feeling like you either completely nailed it or completely bombed it, with absolutely no middle ground.

The whole thing started because one of the newer staff members kept pushing back on the cultural workshop protocols we’ve spent months developing. Not just questioning - which I actually welcome - but actively undermining them in front of patients and families. I finally had to escalate it, and let me tell you, having that conversation with administration while trying to sound professional instead of just frustrated was… a process.

Turns out I learned something important about myself in that room.

Working through some thoughts on paper.

I used to think being a good leader meant avoiding conflict, keeping everyone happy. But sometimes protecting what you’ve built - and the people you’re serving - means having the hard conversations. Even when your voice shakes a little. Even when you’d rather just let it slide.

The department head backed the program completely, by the way. Said it was exactly the kind of advocacy they want to see from coordinators. Funny how the conversations you dread most sometimes end up being the ones that move everything forward.