By Mardi O’Keefe
As an intern you rotate through different departments and work with many different people. Some relationships will be easy. Others won't.
They may be your registrar, consultant or another member of the team you need to work with every day. You may need to ask questions, seek supervision or clarify instructions.
Recognising someone is difficult is only part of the challenge. Knowing that in a few weeks you will rotate out can help you put a difficult relationship into perspective. But it doesn't mean you can simply avoid the person until your rotation ends.
Read our advice on how to recognise difficult people.
So how do you navigate a difficult person when you still need to work with them?
Focus on the interaction
When someone is difficult, it’s easy to become focused on the person and their behaviour. Instead, focus on what you need from the interaction.
If an instruction is unclear, ask for clarification. If you are given more work when you already have too much to do, ask what needs to be prioritised. If you are asked to do something you are unsure about, don't automatically say yes.
You don't need everyone you work with to like you, and you don't need to like everyone you work with. What you do need is a professional working relationship.
Be polite. Be clear. Ask the questions you need to ask. Seek supervision when you need it and keep conversations focused on the work.
Simple responses can help:
“Can I clarify what you would like me to do?”
“I am currently doing X and Y. Which would you like me to prioritise?”
“I am not sure about this. Can you please talk me through what you would like me to do?”
These responses aren't confrontational. They help you understand what is expected and make sure you can do your job safely.
Be clear about the problem, and keep a record
There may come a point where managing the relationship isn't enough. Moving away from recognising the person as ‘difficult’ and identifying the behaviour that is causing the problem is a good next step. For example:
Are you being criticised or belittled in front of others?
Are requests for supervision being ignored?
Are you being given conflicting instructions or an excessive workload?
Are you being asked to do something you don't feel trained or supported to do?
Being specific helps you work out whether you are dealing with someone you find difficult – or a workplace issue that needs to be addressed.
If something keeps happening, write it down. To get started with this, check out our article on The importance of keeping a work diary.
Should you say something?
There is a significant difference between raising an issue with another intern and raising one with a registrar or consultant who supervises or assesses you. This doesn't mean you shouldn't say something. It means you should think carefully about how you do it and get advice if you need it.
Talk the situation through with someone you trust. This might be a trusted registrar or consultant, your Director of Clinical Training, Medical Workforce Unit or AMA Victoria.
Getting advice doesn't mean you have to make a complaint. It helps you understand your options before deciding what you want to do.
Need support?
If you're finding a workplace relationship particularly challenging, you don't have to navigate it alone. Remember, we’re here for you.
Book a confidential Career Call to talk through challenging workplace dynamics, develop practical strategies and gain perspective from an experienced careers professional.
If your concern relates to workplace rights, bullying, inappropriate behaviour or employment issues, you can book a Workplace Relations Call with one of our industrial relations experts.