Category: well-being

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How to Create the Holiday Experience You Actually Want

What if you could decide RIGHT NOW how you want to feel this holiday season?

Not how you think you should feel or how you’ve always felt in the past—but exactly how YOU want to feel.

For healthcare workers, the holidays can feel like a blur. Long shifts, missed family gatherings, and the weight of taking care of everyone else can leave you feeling drained before you’ve even started. Add in the pressure to make everything perfect at home, and it’s no wonder the holiday spirit feels out of reach.

But here’s the truth: those holiday feelings we’re chasing—whether it’s joy, connection, or calm—don’t just happen by chance. We create them.

That means you have the power to create the exact holiday experience you want this year—even if you’re juggling shifts or navigating a packed schedule. Here’s how:

Step 1: Decide How You Want to Feel

Take a moment to think about the feeling you want to create this holiday season. Forget about the to-do list or the expectations. Close your eyes and imagine:

✨ Do you want to feel calm and cozy?
✨ Excited and joyful?
✨ Connected and full of love?

It might help to picture yourself at the end of the holiday season. How do you want to look back and feel about the time you spent? Be specific. Choosing the feeling you want is the first step to making it happen.

Step 2: Focus on What Creates That Feeling

Now that you know how you want to feel, it’s time to take action. The key here is to focus on what creates that feeling for YOU—not what Instagram says or what your family expects.

Here are some examples:

  • Calm and Cozy: Slow things down when you’re off the clock. Say no to commitments that feel more like obligations. Light a candle, grab your favorite blanket, and watch that holiday movie you love. Let it be simple.
  • Excited and Joyful: Crank up the holiday music and dance around your kitchen after a long shift. Plan something fun just for YOU—like a morning walk to see holiday lights or a drive-through coffee treat before work. Joy often comes from the little things we let ourselves enjoy.
  • Connected and Full of Love: Reach out to people who matter to you in small but meaningful ways. Write a quick note to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or plan a video call with loved ones if you’re working during the holidays. It’s about small, intentional moments.

The magic happens when you intentionally align your actions with the feeling you want to create.

Step 3: Shift Your Focus When You Get Off Track

Even with the best intentions, the holidays can throw curveballs. A patient crisis, family drama, or your own perfectionism might try to derail your good vibes.

This is where your focus becomes your superpower. Instead of spiraling into frustration, gently ask yourself: “What can I focus on right now to create [insert your feeling]?”

For example:

  • If a coworker’s attitude frustrates you during your shift, refocus on gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
  • If family drama threatens your peace, remind yourself of the joy you can create in the small moments—like sharing a laugh with your kids or savoring a quiet cup of tea.
  • If the holiday chaos feels overwhelming, ask, “What’s one thing I can do right now to feel calm?”

Redirecting your focus is like resetting the holiday playlist in your mind. You can’t control everything, but you CAN control where your attention goes.

Step 4: Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy

So often, we hold ourselves back from enjoying the holidays because we feel like we haven’t done enough. Maybe you didn’t bake those cookies from scratch or finish every gift perfectly wrapped. But the holidays aren’t a test.

Give yourself permission to soak up the moments that matter. Let go of what doesn’t. 

Remember, you’re not chasing perfection—you’re choosing presence.

For nurses and healthcare workers, this might mean embracing unconventional celebrations. Maybe your family’s holiday dinner is takeout on your lunch break—and that’s okay. Joy doesn’t come from the details; it comes from the intention.

What Will Your Holiday Feel Like?

This holiday season doesn’t have to be like every other year. You don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances to feel the way you want to feel.

You can decide, right now, what you want to feel—and create that feeling on demand. By focusing on what matters, choosing intentional actions, and giving yourself permission to enjoy, you can design a holiday that feels like magic.

So, what feeling do YOU want to create this holiday season?

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, let’s talk. Coaching can help you figure out exactly how to create the holiday experience you’ve been dreaming of—without the stress or overwhelm.

Book a complimentary consultation today, and let’s design the life you love, one intentional step at a time.

Don’t let another holiday pass you by. Let’s create something extraordinary together—starting now.

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. 

Book a Logan Health Employee Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me.

Book a Complimentary Consultation Here

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Accepting Feedback

Have you ever walked away from feedback—no matter how “constructive” it was—feeling like you got punched in the gut?

You’re not alone.

Negative feedback has a way of getting under our skin. We take it personally.
We spiral.
We make it mean so much more than it needs to.

We tell ourselves:
“I’m so dumb.”
“I’ll never be successful.”
“This isn’t working.”
“They don’t get me.”

And while the words themselves might sting, we’re the ones beating ourselves up in the aftermath.

But what if you could hear feedback—even the tough stuff—and handle it with grace?
No spiraling. No shame. No making it mean you’re somehow not good enough.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Stop & Take a Beat. Then Respond.

You don’t need to react immediately. Give yourself a moment.

Choose a simple phrase (or two) to have in your back pocket:

  • “Thank you. I’ll take that under consideration.”
  • “I see what you’re saying. I’ll think about that for next time.”
  • “OK, thank you.”

That’s it.
You can respond respectfully without over-explaining, defending, or making it awkward.

Example:
Your manager says:
“I think your documentation could be more thorough.”

Instead of panicking or apologizing, you calmly say:
“Thanks for the feedback. I’ll keep that in mind.”

That’s all you need in the moment. You can process it later.

Step 2: Process It—When You’re Ready

When you have some time to think, ask yourself:

  • Is there any truth here?
  • Can I see their perspective, even if I don’t fully agree?
  • Do I want to make any changes based on this feedback?
  • Is there something to learn here?

Sometimes feedback shines a light on a skill or area you want to improve.

Example:
Feedback: “You didn’t seem prepared for that patient handoff.”

Your first reaction might be frustration.
But when you step back, you might realize:

  • Were you as prepared as you wanted to be?
  • What can you learn to feel more confident next time?

Maybe it’s creating a checklist or practicing a quick summary for each patient.
Turning feedback into a learning opportunity puts you back in control.

Learning changes frustration into growth.

Step 3: Break It Down

Here’s where you separate what’s real from what’s drama in your mind.

  1. What are the facts?
    (What exactly was said? What specifically happened?)
  2. What are your emotions about those facts?
    (Upset, ashamed, annoyed, embarrassed?)
  3. What thoughts are causing those emotions?
    (What are you making this mean about you?)

Example:
Feedback: “That IV placement took too long.”

  • Fact: It took a half hour.
  • Emotion: Frustrated, embarrassed.
  • Thought: “I’m so bad at this. I’ll never get better.”

Step 4: Challenge the Thought

Is that thought true?
How could the opposite be true?

Find evidence to support it.

Example:
Thought: “I’m terrible at placing IVs.”

Ask:

  • Is it really true? (No. Most of the time, I place them quickly and effectively.)
  • Could the opposite be true? (I’m learning. Everyone has off days. I’ve done this well many times before.)

Final Thoughts: Feedback Doesn’t Define You

Feedback is data. It’s information—not a judgment of your worth.

When you stop taking it personally and start handling it with grace, you stay in control.

  • You decide what’s worth keeping.
  • You decide what to improve.
  • You decide what to let go.

And here’s the magic: Feedback can actually help you grow when you allow it.

Are you ready to start handling feedback differently?
If you’re tired of spiraling every time someone shares a critique, let’s talk.
Book a complimentary consultation, and we’ll work on tools to help you feel confident, calm, and in control—no matter what’s said.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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Why Reinvent the Wheel When What You’ve Got Works Just Fine?

Stop Fixing What Isn’t Broken

How many times have you thought, This time it’ll be different?

You bought the fancy planner. You started that new workout routine. You even downloaded the latest app everyone’s talking about.

But here you are, weeks (or days) later, feeling like you’re right back where you started.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: Your brain is wired to crave novelty. 

Neuroscience tells us that when you try something new, your brain lights up with a fresh hit of dopamine. It feels good in the moment. But novelty doesn’t equal better—and it doesn’t mean it’s solving your actual problem.

So why do we keep chasing it?

Examples:

  1. Calendars and Planners
    How many planners have you abandoned mid-year? Or mid-week? You start with one, then grab another because, let’s be honest, you’re convinced this one will finally make you organized.

Spoiler alert: It’s not the planner.

  1. Workouts
    You finally found a workout routine you like—or at least one that doesn’t make you miserable. But then you see someone on Instagram doing burpees on a Bosu ball, and suddenly you think, Should I be doing that?

Here’s an idea: Stick with what you’re already doing. Because the thing that works is the thing you’ll actually do.

The Real Question: Why Are You Switching?

Next time, before you jump to something new, stop and ask yourself:

  • What’s actually working for me right now?
  • Why do I feel the need to change?
  • Am I chasing the excitement of starting over?
  • Or am I avoiding something uncomfortable?

Spoiler alert: It’s usually the uncomfortable part.

Here’s the truth: The magic isn’t in finding something new. The magic is in staying consistent with what already works, even when it feels boring or hard.

When you stop chasing shiny new solutions and stick with what already works, a few amazing things happen:

  • You save yourself a ton of time (no more Googling “best planners for 2025”).
  • You actually get results because you’re consistent.
  • You feel more in control—because you’re no longer scrambling for answers.

And here’s the best part: You start to trust yourself again.

That’s what I help my clients with—figuring out what’s actually working, why they keep chasing new things, and how to make progress without reinventing the wheel every week.

You can save yourself time, energy, and frustration—and coaching with me can help you get there faster.

Are you ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building momentum?

Book a complimentary consultation with me today. We’ll talk about where you’re stuck, what’s already working, and how coaching can help you finally move forward.

Or, join me for my LAST free masterclass of 2024, How to Abstain, on 12/11/24 at 11 am via Zoom. It’s all about cutting through clutter and creating a life that works for you.

Let’s get you results. You don’t have to do this alone.

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. 

Book a LOGAN HEALTH EMPLOYEE Life Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me.

Book a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Here

The LAST Free Monthly Masterclass for 2024 is on December 11, How to Abstain from over eating, over drinking, over scrolling, etc. Registration is required and you can do so here:

HOW TO ABSTAIN Masterclass

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life.

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Stuck in Survival Mode? Let’s Take Back Your Time

Ever feel like life is running you instead of the other way around?

The to-do list never ends. Your shifts are unpredictable. The kids need a ride from school, and somehow you’re supposed to squeeze in errands, grocery shopping, and maybe—just maybe—a little rest.

Sound familiar?

If you’re nodding along, here’s what you need to know: time management isn’t about waking up earlier or cramming more into your day. It’s about learning a process that works for you—one that helps you feel less stressed, more confident, and maybe even a little excited about your days.

And I’ve got a process that works.

This week, I’m breaking it all down in a series of IG Lives where I’ll show you exactly how to:

  1. Plan: Create a schedule that actually works for your life—even with chaos in the mix.
  2. Implement: Learn how to stop procrastinating, stay focused, and follow through (without constant self-bargaining over every task).
  3. Evaluate: Figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how to tweak your plan so it keeps working for you.

Here’s the kicker: I’m not just teaching this. I’m doing it with you.

Because even though I have time, I’m tired of wasting it on mental arguments with myself over errands, grocery shopping, and boring-but-important stuff. I want to become the person who actually does what they said they’d do—when they said they’d do it.

If that resonates with you, let’s do this together.

Join me for the IG Lives this week. The videos will stay up, so you can jump in anytime.
[Click here to follow along on Instagram]

Or, if you want one-on-one support to create a time management plan designed specifically for your life, book a free session with me below.

Your time is valuable. Let’s make sure you’re using it to create a life you actually love.

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions.

Book a LOGAN HEALTH EMPLOYEE Life Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me.

Book a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Here

The LAST Free Monthly Masterclass for 2024 is on December 11, How to Abstain from over eating, over drinking, over scrolling, etc. Registration is required and you can do so here:

HOW TO ABSTAIN MASTERCLASS

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life.

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One Sentence

When I heard Gretchen Rubin’s term “midlife malaise,” it hit me like a ton of bricks—that was me. I had been lost in my own life, just drifting along, not fully engaged in living. I was constantly wondering, Is this it? Is this all there is to life?

I knew something was missing, but I had no idea how to figure out what it was.
I knew something was off, but I didn’t know how to make it right.
I wanted to be happier, to enjoy my life, to be a better wife and stepmom, but how?

Then one day, I stumbled across a quote in Real Simple magazine. It said, “What’s the goal of your life? For me, it’s to make the people I love happy and have a good time with them.”

And I thought, That’s it. That’s what I want—to live with joy, with purpose, to actually feel alive in my own life. But then that question crept back in: how?

Maybe some people are just born knowing how to live that way.
Maybe I wasn’t wired for it.
Maybe I’d missed my chance.

If this sounds familiar, let me tell you: one sentence can change your life.

For me, that sentence was: “I know exactly what to do here.”

That simple phrase helped me break free from the endless cycle of “but how?” and start believing I already had the answers. Every time I repeated it, my brain shifted from feeling stuck to offering solutions. Suddenly, ideas came to me—small actions I could take to move forward. And each time I took action, I created proof that, yes, I did know how.

Instead of feeling frustrated, hopeless, and lost, I began creating real, meaningful change in my life.

That one sentence transformed everything. It helped me stop seeking and start creating the life I’d been longing for.

So, if you’re ready to stop searching and start creating an extraordinary life, let me help you. You can get through the hard things, and you can feel fully present and engaged in your life.

Life’s too short to spend it just getting by. It’s time to start creating the extraordinary life you deserve—and I can show you how.

Are you ready to find your one sentence?

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Book a LOGAN HEALTH EMPLOYEE Life Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

Book a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Here

The LAST Free Monthly Masterclass f 2024 is on December 11, How to Abstain from over eating, over drinking, over scrolling, etc. You can see more info & register here. I hope to see you there!

HOW TO ABSTAIN MASTERCLASS

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

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Setting Boundaries that Stick: Practical Tips for Healthcare Professionals


Healthcare is all about giving. You’re there for your patients, your team, and sometimes even strangers when they need it most. But who’s there for you when feel you stretched thin?

It’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to be constantly available. Taking on extra shifts, answering emails after hours, and saying “yes” to last-minute favors have almost become badges of honor. But what if it’s costing you more than you think?

The Challenge of Boundaries in Healthcare
Have you ever had that feeling when you’re finally off the clock, but your phone just won’t stay silent? Or maybe you’re exhausted from a long week, and yet you’re signing up for extra shifts because it feels wrong not to help out.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In healthcare, these kinds of demands are often unspoken expectations. But without boundaries, burnout isn’t far behind. And let’s be honest: burnt-out you isn’t the best version of you—for your patients or for your own life and family.

Shifting Your Mindset on Boundaries
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re a way to decide what’s truly important to focus on and let go of what isn’t, so you can keep giving sustainably. When you know where your limits are, you can serve at your best without running dry.

How to Set and Keep Your Boundaries

  1. Start with Small, Clear No’s
    Saying “no” doesn’t have to be dramatic. Start with small boundaries, like declining non-urgent calls after hours or setting a cutoff time for work emails. You can keep it simple and professional: “I won’t be able to respond to non-urgent requests after 7 PM.”
  2. Use Your Schedule as a Boundary Tool
    Your schedule is one of your most powerful boundary allies. Block off personal time on your calendar—yes, even if you have to make it a meeting with yourself! Prioritizing that time is a way to recharge so you can come back to work focused and energized.
  3. Communicate Openly and Often
    Talk to your team, your supervisor, or anyone who might expect your availability. Being clear about your boundaries (and reinforcing them when needed) helps others respect your time. Remember, setting a boundary once isn’t enough; reinforcing it regularly builds respect and understanding.
  4. Let Go of Guilt
    You can be compassionate without sacrificing yourself. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re not committed; it means you’re committed to showing up as your best self. This mindset is essential for long-term success in healthcare.

The Difference Boundaries Can Make
Imagine finishing your shift and actually being able to leave work at work. Or starting your day feeling rested instead of running on fumes. Boundaries help you build a sustainable career, showing up for your patients and colleagues fully engaged and present.

Closing
Boundary-setting is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. If you’re curious about taking this further, I’m hosting a free webinar on boundary-setting specifically for healthcare professionals, where we’ll dive deeper into strategies and answer your questions. You can also book a complimentary consultation to explore coaching support that helps you set boundaries and regain balance in your life.

What’s one small boundary you’ve set (or would like to set) that’s helped you feel more balanced at work or home?

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

BOOK A LOGAN HEALTH COACHING SESSION HERE
FOR NON-LOGAN EMPLOYEES, BOOK A COACHING CONSULTATION HERE

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

REGISTER FOR THE NEXT MASTERCLASS: ALL ABOUT BOUNDARIES

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How to Live an Extraordinary Life (Yes, Even with Your Busy Schedule)

Does the idea of living an extraordinary life feel out of reach when you’re buried in work and the endless demands of healthcare? You’re not alone if it does. But here’s a little secret: an extraordinary life is not only possible—it’s closer than you think. There’s a process to get there, one step at a time, and it starts with learning how to manage your mind.

Managing your mind is all about how you handle stress, make tough choices, and feel confident about those decisions without second-guessing. It’s not a personality trait or something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. And it’s this skill that can help you live life on your own terms, even within the intense world of healthcare.

Imagine going into each day feeling clear, confident, and ready for whatever comes your way. It’s more than just surviving the day-to-day—it’s a way of actively designing a life you love, even on the busiest days.

So, how can you get started with managing your mind? Here’s one powerful step:

Notice the Little Wins  

When you finish a difficult shift or handle a challenging patient with care and patience, recognize that as a win. Confidence doesn’t come in a flash; it’s built gradually, one brick at a time, through moments like these. Acknowledging these small victories builds your resilience and reminds you that you *are* in control.

By making a habit of celebrating these everyday successes, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and at ease with life’s demands. It might feel small, but the benefits add up. And over time, this mental clarity and confidence become the foundation for a life you love—one you’re designing, not just letting happen.

Living an extraordinary life in healthcare isn’t about changing careers or dropping all your commitments. It’s about taking ownership of your mindset, finding clarity, and building confidence that sticks.

Ready to explore this further?  

Join me on November 13 for an online masterclass on Boundaries, where we’ll dive into strategies to build a life that fits you. Or, if you’re ready to take a deeper dive, stay tuned for a special offer designed to set you up for your best year yet. (Let me know if you want to be one of the first to know.)

Let’s make an extraordinary life your reality. Registration is required, click the link below to sign up.

SIGN UP: ALL ABOUT BOUNDARIES MASTERCLASS

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session

SIGN UP: COACHING SESSION

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Breaking Down Defensive Walls: The Key to Better Conversations

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare communication is defensiveness. You’ve likely experienced it yourself—someone makes a comment, and before you even think about it, you feel the need to defend your actions. This is especially common in high-pressure environments like hospitals, where emotions can run high, and time is limited.

But here’s the thing: defensiveness shuts down conversations.

Instead of connecting and solving problems, it creates walls that are hard to break through. So, how can you dismantle those walls and create a space where real conversations can happen?

Problem: Why Defensiveness Takes Over

Defensiveness often kicks in when we feel misunderstood or criticized. Our brain goes into protection mode, making it hard to hear the other person’s perspective. And in healthcare, where every decision feels important, this reaction is even stronger.

But defensiveness doesn’t just hurt the conversation; it blocks the chance for true collaboration.

Solution: Focus on Empathy and Curiosity

To break through defensiveness, try leading with empathy and curiosity. Here’s how:

  • Start by acknowledging their emotions: Statements like, “I can see why you might feel frustrated,” show the other person that you recognize their experience. This lowers their defenses and opens the door for a more constructive conversation.
  • Ask questions rather than making assumptions: Instead of assuming why something went wrong, ask about their thought process. Try, “What was going on for you in that moment?” or “How do you think we can avoid this next time?” This invites a collaborative mindset, allowing both sides to work together toward a solution.

Results: Building Trust and Reducing Conflict

When you approach conversations with empathy and curiosity, you not only avoid triggering defensiveness but also build trust. People feel heard and understood, which leads to more openness, cooperation, and problem-solving.

By practicing these techniques, you can make conversations in healthcare less about defending positions and more about working together to find solutions.

Want to go deeper? My Collaborative Communication masterclass will give you practical tools to use empathy and curiosity effectively, helping you improve communication at work and home. You can register here.

If you’re a Logan Health employee, remember you have access to a free coaching with me as part of your benefits! (BTW, it’s completely confidential. I don’t share who I work with, what role coaching clients are in, what department they work in, etc.) Let’s work together to strengthen your communication skills and reduce stress in your professional life. You can book a coaching session here. 

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How to Turn Tension into Collaboration with Three Simple Shifts

Have you ever walked into a conversation already expecting tension? Whether it’s a challenging patient, a frustrated colleague, or a demanding supervisor, those moments can feel heavy and stressful before the first word is even spoken. But what if you could turn that tension into an opportunity for collaboration instead?

The problem is, we often get stuck in a defensive mindset. We’re ready to protect our point of view or respond to criticism. This only heightens the tension and prevents meaningful communication.

But there’s a way to shift the dynamic and get better results.

Shift 1: Take a Neutral Stance

When we approach conversations with an agenda or strong opinions, we unknowingly create resistance. Instead, try to stay neutral—focus on the facts, not feelings. For example, rather than starting with, “You always forget to update the chart,” you could say, “I noticed the chart wasn’t updated after your shift.” This reduces blame and keeps the conversation focused on solving the problem.

Shift 2: Ask Open-Ended Questions

People feel more valued when they’re given the chance to share their perspective. Instead of assuming you know why someone acted a certain way, ask them to explain. Questions like, “Can you help me understand what happened here?” or “What do you think might work better next time?” foster collaboration rather than confrontation.

Shift 3: Look for Solutions, Not Faults

In moments of stress, it’s easy to focus on what went wrong. But what if you focused on what could go right? By shifting your energy from finding fault to finding solutions, you open up a space where everyone can contribute ideas. You might say, “Let’s figure out how we can make this work better moving forward,” inviting a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

These simple shifts can transform tense situations into opportunities for better teamwork, understanding, and productivity.

Want more strategies like these? Join my upcoming masterclass on Collaborative Communication, where we’ll dive into the exact steps to master neutral, solution-oriented conversations in your healthcare role. Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 AM MT. Replays will be available. You can sign up here.

Don’t forget—if you work at Logan Health, you can schedule a coaching session as part of your employee benefits! Let’s chat about how we can reduce tension and build stronger communication skills together. You can book a coaching session here.

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When Conversations Fall Apart

Ever notice how quickly a conversation can fall apart, whether it’s with a colleague, patient, or your team? You start with the best intentions, but suddenly the other person shuts down, leaving you frustrated and stuck.

These breakdowns happen when we focus on what someone did “wrong” rather than trying to understand their perspective. This often leads to defensiveness, miscommunication, and missed opportunities for collaboration.

But there’s a better way.

Collaborative communication shifts the focus from judgment to curiosity, allowing for open, productive conversations where everyone feels heard and respected. 

Here’s how to start:

  1. Manage your emotions. Before engaging, check in with yourself. If you’re frustrated or angry, take a moment to calm down. Deep breaths or a brief pause can make a huge difference in setting a positive tone.
  2. State what you see objectively. Stick to the facts. Instead of saying, “You never finish things on time,” try, “I noticed the project wasn’t completed by the deadline.” This avoids blame and keeps the conversation neutral.
  3. Validate their experience. Show the other person that you understand their feelings. Use phrases like, “I get how this situation could have been frustrating for you.” When people feel understood, they’re more likely to open up and collaborate.

By following these three steps, you create a safe, respectful environment that fosters honest conversation and problem-solving. Want to take it further? Join my masterclass on Collaborative Communication, where we’ll dive deeper into the full process and explore ways to apply these skills in your workplace and at home. Registration is required and you can do so here.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get coaching sessions at no cost to them. You can book a coaching session here. 

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.