At Cowichan Collaborative Health we are intentionally building a different kind of healthcare workplace.
Through training with Shawn and Heather Atleo at the Atleo Centre for Compassionate
Leadership members of our team have intentionally worked to create a workplace that
prioritizes connection, safety and non-violent communication in a medical setting.
This form of compassionate leadership begins with a simple but powerful principle: connection before content. Before agendas, disagreements, or decisions we strive to truly see one another. What are people’s needs and what drives those needs?
When speaking with each other at CCH we are working to use non-violent communication and we ask ourselves before speaking: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? We are trying to extend this framework to how we speak with colleagues, staff and patients.
We have embedded these principles in the structure of our operation. Our contractor and employee agreements reflect our commitment to cultural safety, respectful communication, and a compassionate dispute resolution process. Conflict is approached through structured dialogue, active listening and a commitment to repair when needed.
Every four months, we engage in a structured check-in process with our team members called R.A.D.A.R. (Review, Agree on the Agenda, Discuss, Action Points, Reconnect). These conversations focus not only on workflow and workload, but also on personal needs, communication, and appreciation. We have found these sessions to be extremely useful in understanding how we can function better as a team while at the same time improve our
relationships with each other.
We believe psychological, cultural, and emotional safety are essential for modern healthcare. When providers feel safe and supported, collaboration and creativity improve, burnout decreases, and patient care benefits.
Compassionate leadership feels right for our team but it takes discipline and practice. We sometimes stumble but we can repair. We believe it is the future of modern healthcare.
By Dr. Mark Sanders
Family Physician, Cowichan Collaborative Health
Duncan, BC