Welcome….now go away!

Target Practice

I think every leader has a story like this one.  You’ve just taken over as the new person in charge and it only takes minutes for the target to be firmly attached to your back.  I remember my first staff meeting in Colorado.  I had been there approximately 3 days and thought I should gather everyone to allow the staff to get to know me a little better and learn about my leadership style and also to set expectations.  I was prepared for a lukewarm greeting, however, I was most definitely NOT prepared to be in front of a firing squad.

You’re probably wondering “how bad could it have actually been?”   Let’s just say that it happened over five years ago and it is still remembered and talked about by some of those who were there.  It was something along the lines of “nice to meet you, now let us tell you everything we despise about working here, the leadership, and why we don’t trust you or believe anything you say”.   There were a few obvious ring leaders, but many chimed in.

Keep Your Cool

I kept my composure and listened to their complaints and issues, but I was secretly making a mental list of who seemed to be the most toxic and contemplating how I would weed them out.  There was one nurse in particular, I’ll call her Greta, who let it be known that she hates people, which is why she moved out of direct patient care and into a desk job.  Peachy.  Greta was one of those people who approached even the most minor of conversations in a confrontational and aggressive manor.  Greta was on my list.

Slow and Steady

I held monthly staff meetings for my first six months and each meeting got progressively better.  By the end of my time at that facility, Greta was gone, as were the others like her.  Of course there was still occasional negativity and eye rolling, but we had a cohesive team and the culture had completely shifted.  My wounds had healed and I was more prepared than ever for the next group I would face, who weren’t quite as bad, but still didn’t make it easy.

So how do you come into a new facility or role and not succumb to the wounds from the target practice that will be thrust upon you?  My best advice is to be an active listener and never take anything personally.  Then go home, open a bottle of wine, and drink it…..all of it.  Okay, well maybe that’s not for everyone, but it worked for me. haha!  Wake up each day with a goal of one small stride at a time, knowing it will get better.  Forget about being liked and figure out how to earn respect!

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