Connection before correction
Human connection is the powerful force that drives trust and collaboration in the workplace, according to Mater Education’s Lead Facilitator and Coach Rasheed Abu-Hamda.
It’s why he’s passionate about delivering the High Value Conversations program, which teaches workplace colleagues how to have curious, respectful and helpful conversations.
“I really enjoy connecting with people in a meaningful way and helping them to expand their skills by unlocking their hidden potential,” he said.
“It helps us to connect better as a society in a healthy way.”
In his role, Mr Abu-Hamda travels across Queensland to deliver Mater Education leadership and management courses, like High Value Conversations, to organisations seeking more meaningful and productive communication within their workplaces.
Despite originating as a healthcare-specific program, Mr Abu-Hamda said High Value Conversations offers a skill set that applies to workplaces across all industries and sectors.
“We all need a level of agency in our communication at work. The program is focussed on improving the standards of work and safety, and equally we focus on how we can look after our colleagues,” he said.
Mr Abu-Hamda said he often sees the value of the of the program first-hand, recalling a situation with a Nurse Unit Manager and one of her team members who was upset about the way a coworker was interacting with a patient.
“The team member, a nurse, wanted her manager to have the conversation with the co-worker, rather than having it herself,” he said.
“With help from the manager, the nurse was able to work through the High Value Conversations program and craft feedback to raise the issue with her coworker in a respectful way without the need for the manager to get involved.”
Mr Abu-Hamda said it was more effective for organisations to empower their staff to have challenging conversations in a respectful, helpful and curious way, rather than relying on managers to resolve each issue.
“Teaching people how to fish, instead of giving them a fish, allows these issues to be resolved in a really satisfying way,” he said.
“Our program enables staff to feel confident and empowered to lead challenging feedback conversations, creating opportunities for team members to connect before they correct each other.”
Spots are available in upcoming High Value Conversations courses.
