Simon Fleming’s top tips for Making Life Work Better

16 Oct 2019

On 12 September 2019 our College held the “Making Life Work Better” conference as part of our wellbeing focus for healthcare professionals. Following on from the tips and advice shared around the time of the conference, we have further recommendations from the speakers.

Mr Simon Fleming is an Orthopaedic Registrar and Past President of the British Orthopaedic Trainees’ Association. Simon has given his top ten tips on making life work better:

1. We can change the world and it starts with changing ourselves. Role modelling is more powerful than you know.
2. Be kind, be civil; saying please, thank you, sorry and listening will change the way your entire team acts and feels.
3. Bullying is about power and silence – so we can change that by recognising our own power and finding our voice.
4. Undermining is about making people feel small and worthless – nobody deserves to be made to feel that way. We all matter.
5. Change is good, but it can also mean loss. Recognise what you are asking people to give up and maybe you’ll be able to get them on board.
6. Culture change takes times. The best time to start was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.
7. Being ‘stressed’ doesn’t excuse awful workplace behaviours. But, we are all human, so when you do say or so something stupid, apologise and learn from it.
8. It’s easy for some people to preach about change, due to their multiple privileges. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility – if you have power and privilege, use it!
9. Difficult conversations are difficult. If you don’t think you can have one, try and find an ally who can help. Use the Vanderbilt “Cup of Coffee” model.
10. Changing healthcare culture will improve patient care and the lives of healthcare staff. This isn’t a tip – it’s a reminder. We can change the world, just by how we are at work.

In case you missed any of our previous tips and advice, you can read these on our website:

Professor Michael West’s top tips

Dr David Caesar’s top tips

Professor Peter Brennan’s top ten tips

Category: Wellbeing