Workplace communication: A double-edged sword
Communication is considered a double-edged sword because of its power to move us closer to, or further away from, authentic, healthy connection. For example, 24/7 news coverage can be informative and increase anxiety, social media can be used for networking and cyber bullying, and how we communicate with each other in the workplace can induce more psychological distress and be a buffer to or help prevent psychological distress.
In the process of managing our day-to-day work life, we often lose sight of how communication patterns and the way we interact with each other impact our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our colleagues. Effective communication is a cornerstone of healthy workplaces, and yet it is often an afterthought. Under duress, communication can become transactional - focused on short term gains, alleviating symptoms rather than addressing root causes of conflict, and prioritizing winning over problem resolution and relationships. Teams that communicate effectively are more likely to have higher psychological safety, encourage innovation, and timely decision-making, create goodwill, minimize miscommunication, and be better equipped to successfully navigate difficult situations. This interactive seminar teaches core communication skills to promote connection, support a strong sense of belonging to the team, increase trust in the organization, and facilitate candid and open communication among team members.
This session originally was presented at AVMA Convention 2024.
Learning Objectives:
- Define workplace wellbeing
- Compare and contrast transactional and relational communication
- Describe two core communication skills to promote connection and describe one connection buster
3X International #1 Best-Selling Author and Veterinarian, Dr. Legend Thurman is a native of Washington DC and currently aiming to serve as a governmental veterinarian advocating for change in policy and regulatory affairs surrounding animal welfare, agriculture, international relations, and more. Featured with the AVMA, SAVMA, DVM360, Vets for Success, Women Action Takers, and several others, her work has spanned a local, national, and international level, tackling the the ever-changing atmosphere in the political realm.
Dr. Thurman is also a firm believer in overcoming some of the struggles humanity faces in terms of acceptance, self-image, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome among veterinary professionals and society as a whole. In her spare time, you can find her at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC, traveling, or spending quality time with those that she loves.
She qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in London, Summer 2023 and holds several certifications in burnout prevention, fear-free techniques, well-being education, preventative healthcare, and more as well as being a graduate of the Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy. Some of her clinical interests include: sports medicine, pain management, veterinary dentistry, general mixed practice, hospice/palliative care, and internal medicine. Finally, Dr. Thurman is also an avid speaker at conferences and summits on topics spanning the personal and professional eras.