I read this once and thought to myself how fitting of a saying considering where it was so predominantly displayed.
Everybody knows people who operate this way in their day to day activities. Self proclaimed gods of their craft who feel that no one in their profession is as good as themselves. They don't have to necessarily come out and actually say this but the "world pales in comparison to me" attitude is quite prevalent. This same personality type is also threatened very easily by someone who they feel has the knowledge and/or experience to rival them and their status. And they will resort to many different tactics to keep at bay what they believe to be a new adversary.
I want to make one thing clear with all of you now. Even though the situations that I'll share with you are true and have actually happened, I'm not going to use any names in this article. Neither individual nor organization will be disclosed. I'm not even going to resort to silly games involving pseudo names. If anyone reading this is a friend or colleague of mine you'll most certainly draw a conclusion as to whom I may be referring to but to avoid litigation I'll keep it anonymous. Combined with the fact that you can't be too careful nowadays in avoiding a defamation of character law suit, I also feel I posses far more tact than the individuals that I'm referring to.
The verdict is in: Mean people still suck!
There are a few people that I know in the EMS field that make it very difficult for one to work with. Their style is not very conducive to learning and when you know that more times than less you could be publicly chastised on scene for your actions it effectively takes the wind out of your sails every time the tones go off. It's hard enough to be waken out of a deep sleep to respond to a call, much less work with people who have little or no concern for you. And I'm not implying that any of us are perfect and due praise. The skills of some people in our department do lag from time to time and I as well need refreshing more frequently due to our lower call volume. To stay on top of this, I know, is our responsibility and not theirs. What is their responsibility though is to conduct themselves in a professional manner in front of patients and their families. No condescending attitudes and no ridicule. If intervention is needed they should zip their mouths, assist with the job, and critique later.
Nothing good can come from making a public spectacle of yourself and others, especially in the presence of the very people we care for. Regardless of what the perceived infraction is, outside of plain negligence, everyone should be treated with the same amount of professionalism. We need to convey a unified front when dealing with the public. Not the look of a mixed group of individuals who are at odds with one another and don't see eye to eye. The best possible care that we can give our patients should be the ultimate goal for both sides. Not who's technicians are better than the others. If an ego trip is what you're looking for then you should do everyone a favor and just stay home.
Hi, I'm Mr. Know-It-All and you are?...
Although it would be nice if I could say that I posses half the knowledge that the next individual has, I'd be lying if I did. The sad thing about this person is if they weren't so self-absorbed with a definite Christ-like complex and an absolute lack of people skills, they could be someone of great respect in my mind and in many others I'm sure. Why this person probably won't see this from me is because I have always been a firm believer that respect is earned, not given. And after hearing for years how second rate my town, the department, and the members involved are, it's no wonder it won't be reciprocated any time soon. And now after I've just finished reading the last article published by this individual I can say there's a good chance it won't happen in my lifetime. This person made a concerted effort to stray from the intended subject of the column, bring up some one's past history, and attempt to further damage their reputation. A definite cheap and very low move in my book. Tasteless and unprofessional to say the least but nothing shy of what I've grown to expect from this person.
I have a vivid recollection of a pretty serious mistake made by this individual that I haven't breathed a word to anyone of. No one was hurt or killed but the severity of the infraction was nonetheless something of concern. A very basic rule was broken that neither veteran nor rookie should have committed but it was done. And unless I had a sadistic urge to throw this person under the bus there was no other reason for me to publicize it. What benefit would I really have in doing so?
There's absolutely no reason to justify any of this type of behavior. Like I've said in the past there are people that can complete a task with little or no fanfare and there are others who need their ego constantly stroked. There are bright individuals who see opportunity and learn from others and there are people who feel they are better than the rest and share nothing. But to belittle someone or treat them in a diminutive manner is not an effective way to teach, no matter what a person's shortcomings are. When this occurs it merely breeds a lack of respect, mistrust, and a loss of enthusiasm to try harder. How long could you go on if you were constantly reminded how inadequate you are? And to those of you who treat others in this manner I have to ask how can you look at yourself in the mirror every day?
On the other hand all of my respect goes to people who lead by example and who understand the proper etiquette of management. I've had the pleasure of working with people like this in the past, and I still know a few individuals today who are very charismatic and can rally their troops in a heartbeat. Most successful people want to generally be around leaders like this. Someone who rolls up their sleeves and gets in the trenches with you. A person who has an objective and a goal and who takes you along in reaching them. They never view their subordinates as pawns in their personal chess game of life. Success comes from the team. And making sure that everyone involved feels that they play a pivotal role in obtaining these goals builds successful organizations. Mary Kay Ash built a cosmetic empire on the thought that you have to "Make people feel important". A powerful statement but very simplistic in the fact that if you treat people with dignity results will follow.
And when problems do arise good leaders do not forget rule #1 in handling a crisis. As an example, if someone is not performing a task properly you first explain to them how to do it, physically show how it's done, then let them complete it on their own. If additional scrutiny is needed, it's done discreetly on a one-on-one basis. More can be learned and retained by individuals who are treated in this fashion verses putting them on public display and humiliating them.
The unfortunate fact in all of this is that it's tough to shake who you are. People are people and some have more abrasive personalities than others. If that was the case I could live with it. But in these circumstances it goes beyond that. No one deserves to be treated rude or cruelly. I have no control over these and other individuals who choose to act this way, I can only control myself. And with any luck I'll be able to let it roll off me and move on. I know I can be the better person for it.
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