Traps & Challenges
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Communication can be challenging! Here are some common traps home visitors may experience when speaking with a caregiver.
Conversation Challenges
As a home visitor there are many traps you may find yourself falling into. It is important to recognize these traps and try avoiding them if possible in order to communicate more effectively.
- Rather than information-gathering, try to actively listen to your client's concerns.
- Don't be the expert. Do not assume that you have all the answers.
- Don't jump ahead. Build a working collaboration and negotiate goals with your client before solving problems.
- Don't label. Avoid trying to persuade a client to accept a diagnosis or label as this may be stigmatizing.
- Don't blame. Blaming makes people defensive.
- Keep off-topic chatter to a minimum. Too much off-topic conversation is not helpful or productive.
- Be careful of your "fix-it" reflex. It may seem natural to go into "fix it" mode and provide advice or a solution when presented with a problem by a client without exploring client views, opinions, or readiness.
Admitting mistakes video example
Rebuilding Relationships video example
Traps
As a home visitor there are many traps you may find yourself falling into. It is important to recognize these traps and try avoiding them if possible in order to communicate more effectively.
- Rather than information-gathering, try to actively listen to your client's concerns.
- Don't be the expert. Do not assume that you have all the answers.
- Don't jump ahead. Build a working collaboration and negotiate goals with your client before solving problems.
- Don't label. Avoid trying to persuade a client to accept a diagnosis or label as this may be stigmatizing.
- Don't blame. Blaming makes people defensive.
- Keep off-topic chatter to a minimum. Too much off-topic conversation is not helpful or productive.
- Be careful of your "fix-it" reflex. It may seem natural to go into "fix it" mode and provide advice or a solution when presented with a problem by a client without exploring client views, opinions, or readiness.
Admitting mistakes video example
Rebuilding Relationships video example