Monday, August 5 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Katy Myers, NORCOM
Katy Myers, of NORCOM in Washington, was intentional in naming her session. She emphasized the importance of community in the ECC, and how a community is more inclusive and welcoming than a family.
Myers cited the recent survey results from NENA and Carbyne to illustrate that toxic workplaces and teammates are the primary reasons people leave the profession. She highlighted a particular component of toxic workplaces: ostracism. If people are being excluded in your center, you have a toxic workplace that must be addressed. Answering an audience question, Myers stated that interrupting behavior is important because unchecked incivility can spiral and spread.
Stopping this behavior can be done in a few ways: distract (change the subject); delegate (report to superior); be direct (Myers suggests something along the lines of “That’s not in our values”); or delay (check in with the victim later).
Specific behaviors to build community include deliberately involving people in conversations, welcoming new teammates with friendliness, and creating opportunities for people to participate in team activities.
Myers made a compelling case for civility in the workplace and empowered everyone in the audience to make a difference.
Submitted by Jennifer Kirkland, ENP, CPE, RPL
