Speaking With Good Judgement turns two

30/Mar/2020     Education

March 29 2020 marks an important milestone for the Speaking With Good Judgement (SWGJ) Program, being two years to the day since it was launched across Mater.

The program was designed to create an important cultural and transformation shift that empowers employees to have open conversations with colleagues, question unsafe behaviour, and ensure the safety of patients and employees is prioritised.

Reflecting on the SWGJ organisational journey so far, Program Lead, Jo Griffin stated that Mater employees have been responsive to the introduction of new communication skills that enable conversations to be more curious, respectful and helpful.

“In the first two years of the SWGJ Foundations Program being in operation, over 4 000 Mater employees have been introduced to key principles such as the Basic Assumption, psychological safety and the Two Challenge Rule escalation framework. There has been a significant shift over the last 12 months in Mater culture, where SWGJ language can be heard in corridors, meetings, theatre rooms, executive discussions and debriefing processes.”

The program has been well received by participants across a range of departments. Ashleigh Oliffe, Scientific Assistant with Mater Pathology reflects on the learnings provided.

“I have found the SWGJ program to be extremely beneficial, and have utilised the tools that we were given during the session to help me be a more assertive speaker and have more confidence should a situation arise where I need to speak up. I have used the techniques taught during the session to help direct conversations and to get a better understanding of the meaning and intention of some of the conversations that have occurred at work.”

Chrishan Perera, Manager Support Services, Mater Private Hospital Springfield recognises the communication changes across the workplace, too.

“We have been through a journey which has rapidly transformed our workplace culture. Staff members are more comfortable with speaking up their concerns with each other. I am fortunate to be in the position as a coach to help staff to have curious conversations with each other and building good relationships.”

If you are interested in learning more about Mater Education’s Coaching and Development Programs, please contact Lisa Dibbs, Business Development Manager – Education, via email lisa.dibbs@mater.org.au or phone 07 3163 1975

Pictured: SWGJ instructor, Diana Owen, with Foundations Program participants during the 250th session, 18 March 2020.

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