By Mardi O’Keefe
Most interns will, at some point, encounter someone they find challenging.
It might be a registrar who seems impatient, a consultant with very high expectations, a nurse unit manager with a different communication style, another intern, an administrator, or even a patient or family member.
The reality is that difficult people exist in every workplace. Medicine is no exception.
The added challenge as an intern is that you have very little control over the situation. You can't usually choose who you work with, you're still learning, and you rotate through departments every 10 to 12 weeks. You also have relatively little authority compared with those around you.
The good news is that most difficult rotations eventually come to an end. Here are our tips for navigating difficult people.
Recognise when someone is taking up too much space
One sign that someone has become a ‘difficult person’ for you is that they begin occupying far more of your thoughts than they should.
You may find yourself worrying before every shift, replaying conversations on the drive home or talking about them constantly with friends and family.
Simply recognising this can be helpful. It reminds you that this is one relationship, not your entire internship.
Stay professional
When interactions are difficult, keep conversations focused on work.
Avoid becoming drawn into workplace gossip, conflict or emotional exchanges. Be polite, respectful and communicate clearly about the task at hand.
You don't have to become friends with everyone you work with to have an effective professional relationship.
Lean on the supports around you
One of the advantages of internship is that you rarely work alone.
If you're finding someone particularly difficult, talk it through with a trusted registrar, consultant, Director of Clinical Training, Medical Workforce Unit, mentor or another experienced colleague.
Sometimes simply checking whether your experience is shared by others can provide perspective and reassurance.
If the behaviour crosses the line into bullying, harassment or discrimination, seek advice early rather than trying to manage it on your own.
Remember, rotations change
One of the hidden benefits of internship is that every few months you move to a new team.
Some rotations will be fantastic. Others may be less enjoyable. Very few difficult situations last forever.
Try not to judge your entire career, or your own ability, based on one challenging department or one difficult individual.
Focus on what you can control
You may not be able to change another person's behaviour, but you can control how you respond.
Maintain your professionalism. Look after your own wellbeing outside work. Seek advice when you need it. Continue learning. Remember that most difficult interactions are temporary, while the skills you develop in managing them will stay with you throughout your career.
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.
Mardi O’Keefe is the Director of Engagement & Professional Growth at AMA Victoria.