Inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour is cited as a problem area across many professions, and health and social care is no exception.
There are two significant aspects to consider – why do people behave inappropriately and what effect does it have?
Taking the first of those it could be just plain awkwardness in that they can get away with it, or perhaps they think it's harmless and just a stress-relief and fine if they apologise.
Could it be a lack of insight?
Shortage of emotional intelligence could be present perhaps because no one has ever told them?
Alternatively, it could be a result of illness or stress.
We know of one older person whose behaviour changed for the worse and ultimately it transpired they were suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.
The evidence is of course crucial. The excellent work of Christine Porath demonstrates the devastating damage done to performance and motivation.
Cognitive function diminishes by over 60%, and almost 40% of people on the receiving end of bullying intentionally reduce their performance.
There is however another aspect – could I be part of the problem?
Is my behaviour winding you up? That is, for some of us, a tough question.
The Atrainability training works through the root causes and helps delegates to consider their contribution either directly considering more effective behaviour or by not helping 'difficult' colleagues adapt their behaviour.
For managers, perhaps the realisation that they need to deal with the inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour is the critical message.