Being a team and not a clique

purplesteth · Apr 25, 2011

I'm not sure what you mean by "avoid being part of the clique and start being part of the team". Do you mean you want to change the situation somehow? Because I don't think it's possibile, especially when staff members have been there for a long time and it's a mindset which has become ingrained.

The only thing you can do is be true to yourself. Remember that people who gossip and spread negativity about others are often insecure and cowardly. Try to rise above it, do your work, but don't get caught up in the negativity. Be strong, work hard and try to ignore the negative aspects, and those who are worth it will appreciate your approach. The ones who don't aren't worth your time and energy.

Good luck! :)

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 25, 2011

Last time I worked and it was a slow day.

Several of the nurses at the nurses station were sitting around making comments about other nurses not present. This is where I suddenly become busy with other things.

When gossip occurs, don't participate, ask for more or contribute. Don't hang around; just get up and find something to do.

I find that only a small number of nurses are in tight cliques. The rest are fine.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 25, 2011

Last time I worked and it was a slow day.
Several of the nurses at the nurses station were sitting around making comments about other nurses not present. This is where I suddenly become busy with other things.
When gossip occurs, don't participate, ask for more or contribute. Don't hang around; just get up and find something to do.
I find that only a small number of nurses are in tight cliques. The rest are fine.

I agree with this statement totally. When there is "down time" someone is bound to gossip about another co-worker. I learned this lesson the hard way once. I was at the nurses station (early in my career) and I just happen to be at the nurses station when someone made a joke about another nurse, we all laughed (which at the time seemed harmless, but laughing isnt harmless at all). When the rumor spread, my name was in it too!! After that I learned to just walk away when these conversations would come up. At one point I begin to isolate myself so that I wouldnt even be in the break room with too many people, it was THAT bad! It was a small facility of people who had worked there for years. It was a really uncomfortable situation. Since then, wherever Ive worked I havent had a problem because I have learned to distance myself from gossipers. My conversations stay neutral, and if someone brings up a co-worker I get up and do a "round" and check on all of my patients. GOOD LUCK TO YOU! :jester:

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 25, 2011

A team supports and talks positively about team members. A clique gossips and thrills to every mistake made by someone outside the clique.

Be positive or silent.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 25, 2011

Team, Mob, Cabal, Clique, Family, Gang, Posse, ... they're all groups of people. The only difference is in the purpose and function. Teams are focused on accomplishing a shared goal & making sure that everyone makes an equitable contribution to the effort. If the focus is lost, or the goal isn't shared, or group members don't treat one another with respect... the team can quickly degenerate into one of those 'other' groups.

By all means, make an effort to set an example and instill a better attitude, but it may not be successful - especially if this is an engrained culture. One person's effort cannot make a group into a team if the others are determined to be a gang or cabal. If that happens, cut bait and move to a different work environment where you can join other team players.

caliotter3 · Apr 25, 2011

Treat others how you wish to be treated, yet keep your back out of their reach and do your job. You can't force the issue with them but you have to earn a living. Meanwhile, look for a better place to work if you find it to be beyond your ability to tolerate.

shouldabeenabarista · Apr 26, 2011

Basically be a nice person, work hard, keep your personal life at home, and avoid getting into the drama. People who are in cliques usually end up getting fired in cliques.

glencovediva · Apr 26, 2011

What is this?? High School?? Treat others how you want to be treated. Be friendly. Keep your personal business to yourself, and don't participate in gossip.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2011

One of my favorite people in the entire world is an ortho resident that I work with. The ortho residents are very "clique-y". If you don't bash other residents and nurses, you aren't considered "cool". While I find this mindset particularly disturbing, this resident simply refuses to play the game. She offers nothing in regards to opinion of other staff members, but rather focuses on the patients she is treating. I have learned a lot from her demeanor. Silence is...the best medicine sometimes.

If you lead by example, and choose not to bash, you will be seen as "the enemy". Lord knows, I have been in this situation once or twice in my career. It is very juvenile. But I have also known the "cliques" to self destruct, because bad vibes get bad results.

Be a stalwart example of how YOU view the professional nurse should be. Let the rest go...you should never let jackwagons occupy rental space in your head. To do so gives them intangible power.

Poi Dog · Apr 26, 2011

O
If you lead by example, and choose not to bash, you will be seen as "the enemy". Lord knows, I have been in this situation once or twice in my career. It is very juvenile. But I have also known the "cliques" to self destruct, because bad vibes get bad results.
Be a stalwart example of how YOU view the professional nurse should be. Let the rest go...you should never let jackwagons occupy rental space in your head. To do so gives them intangible power.

True that!

I shut my mouth and work and just observe the hyenas who are on the hunt. Other coworkers have told me that because I stand my ground and don't do gossip, the hyenas dislike me. Yeah, like I care :smokin:

Stay true to yourself and if you can look yourself in the mirror, nothing else matters. Be your own rock!

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 27, 2011

Be a mystery to those you work with. Just keep your head down and your mouth shut. Don't socialize at work, don't get personally involved with coworkers. Be pleasant and always helpful, don't ever complain about work or your private life. In short, don't give anyoe any ammunition. Just do your job and get on with what's important.