Professional Boundaries
It is always in the best interest of building community and developing program growth to have a professional atmosphere in the workplace. In the professional work place, people determine their own comfort level in selecting how much information they choose to share, how much time is spent with colleagues during (lunch) or out side of work. Often the process of decision-making in how boundaries are maintained rests on the culture of an institution, or in how a Director and/or staff choose to acknowledge events, holidays,or the recognition of advancements, life events or not.There is a subtle understanding of how traditions are or are not upheld in the workplace but I would venture to pose that each professional institution has amongst its professional personnel a variety of personality styles, a mixture of ages and cultural backgrounds. The challenge to develop a sense of cohesion so that everyone is pleased to be part of an institution and department is critical. If we can be assured that workers are devoted to their work and committed to working well with one another, we have accomplished a great deal. On one hand, some professionals enjoy celebrations, and sharing personal stories about their outside life or even about their work and cases. They find it meaningful to share details of the dynamics of work that are personal. On the other hand, others may find it advantageous to maintain a separation of their work and their outside lives. They may choose to keep their personal life quite separate, and they may not want to share personal aspects of case presentations. Furthermore, they may not value or feel safe enough to participate in holiday gatherings or developed rituals in the workplace. I am interested in hearing how those out in the workfield think a balance is maintained. Personal stories are welcomed. How do you maintain professional boundaries and what is the balance that creates intimacy, cohesion and professionalism with your colleagues in an effort to build community and maintain excellence in your departments and institutions?
One day after working in a facility for over a year, a PT and good acquaintance saw me hesitate when a John Denver song was requested during a group. I told her afterwards that I despised John Denver because I was separated from my parents at a concert of his as a small child...a rather anxiety-filled event.
Can you imagine a music therapist not enjoying a certain singer/songwriter or piece of music?
...I think that's what made this particular bit of personal disclosure fun...
I asked her to not say anything to our coworkers but guess what? Next time I went into the same room, all the staff and non-verbal clients knew, and asked me for Country Roads...
I laughed along with them but was so ticked off. I realized that I did tell her that and in a way left myself wide open. She apologized afterwards when I glared at her but the damage was done and some staff who overheard continued to take advantage of me for a few weeks. They and I eventually let it go. I even learned her favorite John Denver song for her...and now I like it too.
I can now sing John Denver songs without sweating but will always think before disclosing. Someone once told me a rule of thumb for disclosure with clients and/or coworkers if you are unsure:
"Is whatever that's coming out of my mouth benefiting them or me?"
Anyone have the chords to Rocky Mountain High? ...j.k...