Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

Communication under pressure

A topic commonly discussed at present with SPA advisors is the management of challenges in speech pathology professional practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many challenges encountered at this time are additional and quite different to the usual tasks a speech pathologist manages in everyday practice; however there is one similarity with those more "usual" challenges and tasks—all benefit from clear and professional communication with others to achieve a positive outcome. Communication in our professional lives frequently involves conversations with a wide variety of people, including clients, staff we employ, our employer, colleagues or other professionals we consult with as well as over a large number of mediums, such as face to face, phone calls, social media, and more. These may all have their own type of dialogue, but the underpinning values and principles remain constant: the demonstration of professionalism and integrity, objectivity in professional interactions, and demonstration of respect for others we communicate with are paramount.

we communicate with others. An increase in uncertainty can have an impact on how we respond to others, nervousness may impact on our flexibility and resilience. These factors may be affecting us more than we realise, we should assume that they are affecting those around us and approach all interactions with empathy at the forefront of our minds. It can be useful to consider a narrative style of approach when having difficult conversations in the professional realm. This means that when we are talking with our colleagues or clients that we reflect on the background to their situation, the current environment and issues that may be impacting them personally and then take that into account when considering what can be expected or what may be an appropriate outcome from that communication. By considering the circumstances of the other person, we can develop an understanding of why they may be reacting a certain way and take into account what may be causing stress for them. If that interaction is between two professionals then a shared obligation exists, for both to demonstrate understanding and consideration of each other’s circumstances. One thing that is particularly obvious at present is that the contexts we are working within can change rapidly. If we reflect on how many times over the past months our expectations, plans or actions have had to change due to the changing external environment, we can consider how that rapid rate of change can also impact on others and how to tailor our professional communication when rapid change is occurring. It can be difficult to think a situation through logically and clearly when stressed, we can demonstrate our professionalism by understanding when others are experiencing it too. Ultimately it can be useful to remember that clear communication is professional and it can also be rewarding, it creates trust and supports professional interactions. By considering each individual’s context we can impart difficult information or have conversations about change in ways that support and maintain positive professional relationships. We all benefit from that.

Ethics

Many contacts to National Office since the start of the pandemic have begun with a discussion of a specific scenario or decision that a speech pathologist is facing, but often then progress to recognition that the situation involves interactions with colleagues or clients which have become fraught. It can be helpful to consider the effects of stress and anxiety on increasing the potential for conflict in interactions with others, which can occur across all professional realms not just with colleagues or clients. The reduction in personal autonomy due to lockdown or restrictions such as social distancing can impact on how

Trish Johnson Manager Ethics and Professional Issues

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Speak Out | August 2020