Other Flashcards
Explain a time when you had to describe something to a colleague which they found difficult to understand, how did you overcome this?
I have had this situation multiple times when training new staff. An example would be when trying to explain how the tissue processor works and how we carry out maintenance. When I was trying to explain this process to the member of staff I noticed that they seemed to have difficulty in understanding. To try and make my explanation more clear I explained the processes while showing the staff member which parts of the processor I was talking about. For example, I would show them the retort and explain this is where the specimens sit and then show them the reagent containers and explain that formalin is transferred from this bottle into the retort for a certain amount of time. I also asked the staff member to shadow me a few times while I was carrying out maintenance and explained each step to them and answered any questions they have. I would then ask the member of staff to carry out the maintenance themselves while I supervised. In other words, the best way to teach someone a difficult principle is to explain it with visual cues, ask them to shadow while I carry out the task and explain each step, then ask them to carry out the task themselves under supervision. It is also important that staff feel that they can ask you as many questions as they need without causing frustration, so I try to be patient and friendly when I am explaining something.
Working with difficult person
I have always remained civil and professional when dealing with difficult people at work. I have been quite lucky in my career and haven’t worked with many overly difficult people. However one example would be from my previous job in STH CSR. The person I was working with would not communicate with me and other colleagues in a professional manner, often raising their voice in an aggressive way, particularly in times when we were under pressure with high workload. I first tried to speak to the person myself in a calm manner without being confrontational, to see if we could change the way we worked to prevent high workload and stress. However the problem persisted and I noticed that it would only happen on night shifts when there were no managers present. I then decided to speak with my Line Manager to see if they could help resolve the issue. My Line Manager spoke with the member of staff and they became more calm and personable when working the night shift. On this occassion my Line Manager was able to resolve the issue. If this was not possible my next step in this situation would be to seek advice from HR.
How are you involved in CPD and training
I try to partake in as much CPD at work as I can, and always volunteer myself when a new opportunity arises. I have previously been to IBMS congress, attended special stains and IHC NEQAS courses, attended inter-departmental lectures and training courses put on by my company such as audit and H&S-related training. My most recent CPD training was an online course regarding the safe handling of liquid nitrogen. I also enjoy training new staff and am heavily involved in the training of new MLA staff in head and neck, including helping to train MLA staff carrying out their registration portfolio in BMS duties, such as microtomy. I also complete MLA and BMS staff competencies when needed.
Describe yourself in 5 words
Ambitious, reliable (for example, I haven’t triggered a sickness improvement interview in my 11 years working in labs), hard-working, efficient, friendly.
