Working in a cardiac intensive care unit, we are reliant on high-performing team dynamics.

Here are 5 bad habits I’ve learned to consider:

1. Stop trying to control the conversation. Most people enter conversations with the purpose to self-advocate their perspective. More effectively, approach conversations with genuine curiosity about someone’s opinion and build the foundation of ideas from that.

2. Stop thinking of clinical decisions as right vs wrong. We often have to make binary choices using imperfect heuristics. The “wrong” decisions in retrospect are often the best decisions at the time. Frame decisions as probabilities that may require changing tactics.

3. Stop practicing unbridled self-expression. Self-control and aiming for professionalism is a sign of respect for your colleague. Better to walk on eggshells than to constantly break eggs.

4. Stop gossiping. Probably one of the hardest to break as it’s human nature but if it affects you directly, practice withholding any conclusions without first going to the source and give each other the benefit of the doubt.

5. Stop withdrawing from people. This seems like a safe compensatory way to deal but this is a form of control. It never inspires constructive team dynamics. Instead, validate your feelings even if it’s uncomfortable to do so. Look for a forum where it’s safe to do so (often 1:1)

Many of these are human nature and are common habits. Instead of accepting what’s human, strive for what’s humane.