Negative behaviour

Abstract

F ollowing personal experiences the author, a physiotherapist, became interested in negative behaviours in the NHS. She discusses published examples which illustrate national data. S eeing these behaviours as broader than 'bullying', she conducted research into workplace incivility and aggression as well, and recorded that all these had a negative impact on job satisfaction, motivation, commitment and cooperation. All negative behaviour damages the individual and the organisation, and has implications for the quality of care delivered to patients. C onsidering other research about the qualities of effective leaders and managers, she points the reader towards Christ, the servant leader of all. A matron in a small community hospital where years ago I worked as a physiotherapist was asked by a local GP how they could get rid of me. This was one of several GPs who were behaving quite negatively towards me, and the result of that conversation was an overwhelming feeling of intimidation and vulnerability. Over a period of time my confidence was destroyed and I found it extremely difficult to go into work. When I saw certain cars parked I would feel physically sick. Though the actual incidents were few, the fear of something else happening eroded my confidence and professional ability. The situation was complicated and worsened because two of the GPs were actually churchgoers, though sadly they behaved aggressively and arrogantly. You feel at the time you are the only one. The feelings of failure, shame and embarrassment were immense and because of this I didn't initially share my predicament with other staff. I did leave however, as one of several who couldn't manage the situation. Later, I was asked to go to two industrial tribunals as a witness. Just reliving the experience was a trauma and despite the RCN winning the cases, the whole process was psychologically and emotionally damaging. I am convinced that if it weren't for my Christian faith I would have had a breakdown. What helped me were the words of the song 'In heavenly armour' holding me together: 'No weapon that's fashioned against you will stand; the battle belongs to the Lord'. This experience started me looking at negative behaviour between staff in the NHS, and its effect. It gave me a passionate interest in issues of fairness and justice in the workplace, which has been worked out in a trade union representative role where I have attempted to support people …