Hi, my name is Ashley Williams. I completed my Master’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I have 3 years of experience as an industrial Athletic Trainer in Middle Tennessee. I’m a plant mom of 10+ with a passion for health/fitness. I enjoy hiking, running, and weight training. Over the past few years, I've learned to value the golden rule more than ever. You should always treat others how you want to be treated, because essentially, we’re all human and everyone deserves fairness. Let's dive into showing respect in the workplace.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to… your athletes.
Nearing the end of your busy day, with only 20 minutes left in your work schedule, the clinic is suddenly filled with a large group of athletes in need of your assistance. You started the day at 4 a.m. in the clinic, and the previous night you covered a scrimmage that went into double overtime. Not only did you barely get 4 hours of sleep, you skipped your lunch break because an emergency meeting was called for your department.
You notice that a few of the athletes need manual services, but you know you only have two hands. An attachment to the device you normally use on one of your athletes is down stairs; a table usually used for another is currently being occupied to air out hot packs you were cleaning; and you are frustrated because the lineman that gets stretched –mid-day by your absent colleague, now needs your assistance.
What is your next move? After such a long day, will you go downstairs to grab the attachment? Will you clear the table? Will you ask for assistance with the stretches? Will you provide the best care to your athletes?
I encourage you to take a step back, separate personal feelings from work, and remember your calling. In many ways, your work is a ministry, and your athletes deserve high quality health care that is saturated with Respect.
Respect is defined as the feeling of regarding people well for their qualities or traits. It is also the action of treating people with appreciation and dignity.
Let’s break that down, shall we?
R- Respect all athletes regardless of their skills, abilities, gender, or race/ ethnic background.
Because you are human, it is very natural to gravitate towards people who are similar to you. Our differences, however, make us unique. They build a stronger and smarter team, and they provide eye opening perspectives.
E - Equal treatment for all athletes.
Just because some treatments require more critical thinking and physical work does not mean they should be slighted or looked over.
S - Show concern when athletes speak with you.
Really listen to their symptoms. It’s easy to assume you know exactly what the athlete is going through because you have heard the same symptoms from others. Listen to their stories and the details of their situations because every individual is different.
P – Patient-centered.
Have a conversation with athletes about their care plan. Make them a part of the decisions and next steps in their rehabilitation. Be open minded about their questions and concerns.
E - Eye contact.
It’s easy for the clinician to get caught up in taking notes while athletes are voicing their concerns. Pause. Make eye contact and listen. Be present in your interaction.
C - Caring.
The healthcare profession has the word “CARE” in the title. When we define the word “care”, we use words like “paying serious attention to”, “taking consideration”, “having concern”, and to “provide necessary protection of someone.” Let’s not take this opportunity lightly.
T – Treat your athletes like they are people.
The last thing your athlete wants to be known as is your “9am”, a statistic, or a diagnosis. They are so much more! They are valuable, human beings that trust you to provide them with your best. That includes your respect, care, and treatment.
Be Present. Add Value. Show Kindness. Respect.