Explain three differences between a working relationship and a personal relationship. Three differences between a working relationship and a personal relationship are mainly the physical, verbal and non-verbal boundaries. Working relationships are built and based on a common work related or ethic/ ethos basis and status. They usually have a strong moral and ethical bond that workers are bound to by code of conduct and often covered and protected by law an example of this would be personal, work related, information is protected by law.
Status, importance and it follows respect can be based on the position within that role for example given within the management structure = manager is responsible for supervisor and care worker. Responsibility and roles are usually clear, defined and structured. Personal space and values should always be clear. Issues are usually dealt within guidance or there is an agreed way of working; this guidance may be generically written. Personal relationships, however, are built on few clear structured or defined rules with family tree, interests; hobbies, values, experiences, beliefs and backgrounds the definitive factors.
Power may come from a close personal relationship but respect does not always follow and must be earned. Many personal relationships are valued and conducted by socially acceptable boundaries coupled by the value, status and meaning to that relationship. Some personal relationships may differ to others or be more important than others with language including restrictions (may include use of foul language and unpleasant expressions) based on trust. Words including swear words or gestures could have different meanings in different personal or social groups.
Personal relationships would use familiarity and time to understand what was and was not acceptable especially in some close relationships – often only those in the relationship understand the rules. Respect or status ‘who’s more important than who’ or who had/has more responsibility are often not clear or defined. Respect or importance is often created by and for both parties; this value may not be verbally spoken or written about. Similarly, issues and problems are not dealt with in a generic manner and responsibility or roles may be blurred.
It’s possible therefore to have a close colleague share no similar interests, beliefs and values and struggle to make conversation or find it difficult to share conversation outside of work related issues. Give two examples of different working relationships in an adult social care setting: Single agency- Staff have same targets, aims, objectives and outcomes. Common communication accepted and use of jargon known. Accountability mainly the same. Multi agency- Staff are employed by different agencies or companies could be of different disciplines.
Communication could be different for example use of jargon. Targets, aims, objectives and outcomes may be far apart. Examples: Social worker Care worker Cook Dr Ambulance service Police officer Partnership working- To work together for a common purpose or aim although professional differences for example knowledge or accountability maybe worlds apart. Example Dr- Health or profession accountability Politician- party politics, votes Accountants –money, funding and budgets Explain why it is important that social care workers work in partnership with individuals using the service and their family.
It is important to work in partnership with individuals and their families to promote equality and ensure people have a say or make a choice about their provision or service to them. By including the family they don’t feel overwhelmed by the experience and should help to voice their wishes or needs. The family may provide important background information or support the individual to voice concerns or issues that they may not if on their own. The view, belief or information may be presented more balanced. The decisions are shared building a better understanding or picture to help bring about change.
It ensures individuals participate and exercise their right. Improves protection for the individual and improves choice by exploring access to services. It stops decisions being made that were unwanted or apposed by the individual and outcomes should be more welcome and successful. Identify three ways of working that can help improve partnership working. 1To understand professional roles and accountability. 2To respect and obey professional boundaries. 3To set out or agree clear aims or targets at the beginning to ensure support and commitment.
Don’t be afraid to ask or to say you don’t understand. Agree clear communication, no jargon, to help others understand and contribute to the discussion. State only what you know. Open and honest communication respect their experiences or knowledge. Agree shared responsibility and accountability so there is no power struggle. When people with different views and expertise are working together, they may disagree about the best way forward. Identify five different skills or approaches that might help to resolve conflict.
Five different skills or approaches that might help to resolve conflict are a good environment, positive belief, understanding of barriers or impairments and good verbal (including para-verbals) and non verbals. 1Before the meeting think about where the meeting will take place is it suitable – think about access, location facilities etc. Raise concerns if you need to, use your empathy. 1Good para- verbals Tone, speed and pace of voice – don’t raise your tone it could sound aggressive. Don’t patronise. Use of language – be respectful and patient.
Show respect by use of words and omit jargon and don’t finish sentences or speak over anyone. 2Be assertive but never personal. Keep to the point and to facts don’t generalise. Challenge but never hostile -be sincere. 3Ensure an open posture – don’t cross your arms and ensure you’re giving eye contact. It helps to be at the same level for example don’t stand over someone. Make sure your paying attention. Act calm even though you may not feel it giving positive facial expressions. 4Listen to what is being said. If you don’t understand politely ask them to explain. Be honest – especially when it comes to what you know and what you don’t. Don’t be afraid to say to say you don’t know. Explain two ways you could obtain support and advice about working in partnership and resolve conflicts. To obtain support and advice about working in partnership you could: 1Speak to your line manager- support may be given on the first few meetings or until you feel confident enough to go alone. Training may be offered in the way of short courses to improve confidence and may include professional boundaries, assertiveness, creative thinking, negotiation skills or public speaking. Research – it may help to fully understand your role and the roles of other professionals within the meetings. Understanding the pros and cons of partnership working can be researched on the net and in some good care books for example Safeguarding Adults in Social Work Edited by Andy Mantell and Terry Scragg. It is important to understand working with others with a willingness to share information, work practices and ideas for the good of the service user without feeling belittled or threatened by others.
