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Every year, hundreds of thousands of patients are harmed in hospitals, not only due to technical mistakes but also because critical conversations are left unsaid. Healthcare professionals often witness broken rules, mistakes, poor teamwork, or disrespect, yet only a fraction speak up. The result? Persistent risks, diminished morale, and compromised care.
This eBook identifies seven Crucial Conversations® that are most frequently avoided but vital to address:
- Broken Rules – Challenging unsafe shortcuts that put patients at risk.
- Mistakes – Raising concerns about poor clinical judgment or errors.
- Lack of Support – Speaking up when colleagues fail to provide needed help.
- Incompetence – Addressing skills gaps that impact safety and outcomes.
- Poor Teamwork – Calling out gossip, cliques, and undermining behaviours.
- Disrespect – Confronting rude, abusive, or dismissive behaviour.
- Micromanagement – Challenging misuse of authority that undermines staff confidence.
Research shows that when healthcare workers are confident in their ability to hold these conversations, they report better patient outcomes, stronger morale, higher discretionary effort, and greater intent to stay. The good news? These skills can be learned and spread across teams to create safer, more collaborative cultures
To explore how your healthcare organisation can build a culture of dialogue, accountability, and safety with Crucial Conversations® training, click below:
👉 Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
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