• Home
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • Compassionate Connection: a key ingredient for NHS Conflict Resolution

February 2, 2022

Compassionate Connection: a key ingredient for NHS Conflict Resolution

https://youtu.be/elW69hyPUuI

How can we create the Compassionate Connection if we can not shake of the stresses of what has come before, as we walk towards what is to come next?

Research note: We can improve systems, improve the registration process, better explain tests and procedures, reduce waiting times BUT IT WILL NOT improve overall satisfaction as much as if we Anticipate Needs and Show Empathy to pain, stress and grief.



We introduce the Showtime! mindset (from our partners at Vistelar) to staff on our conflict resolution training programmes, asking them to explore how their own emotional equilibrium could set the stage for the types of encounters we needed to address. 

Activating the Showtime Mindset is critical when walking into a potentially stressful or challenging work situation:

  • Remind yourself: “It’s showtime!”
  • Re-set posture and release areas of tension
  • Take a deep, cleansing breath
  • Assume congruent body-language
  • Put on the appropriate face for this situation
  • Have a chat with yourself (positive self-coaching)
  • Now, you are ready!

There was a consensus that in addition to knowing the Showtime Mindset activation steps, naming and reframing our own triggers was hugely powerful in giving us control and a sense that we can choose our responses to people's behavior - rather than to be intimidated or abused by those behaviors - and to be placed in a ‘reactive mode’ where we might say and do the less-desirable things in the situation, despite what our professional brain knows is the correct conflict management response to the  person in front of us.

Using the conflict management tools above, we hope that you can create a Compassionate Connection with your patients, visitors and colleagues at your NHS hospital.

Dynamis provides a comprehensive conflict management training programme which spans the whole spectrum of encounters in a hospital environment.  In this series of posts, our Director of Training reflects on key ideas in addressing conflict and reducing violence in the hospital.

Related Posts

Improving safety for Lone Workers: Three Considerations For Employers

In the rapidly evolving workplace, the safety of employees – particularly those who work alone – has emerged as a key area of focus. This post, based on a recent Dynamis training session, summarizes three key considerations for workplaces seeking to improve lone worker safety. Risk assessments Why are risk assessments important for lone workers?

Read More

Addictions Treatment and Conflict Management

Conflict Management Training for Addiction Recovery & Treatment Services As the world becomes more complex, so do the problems that arise. One of the most significant problems that organizations face is the risk of aggression and violence. In such situations, it is essential to manage people’s behavior in a way that does not escalate the

Read More

The Benefits of Personal Safety Training for Real Estate and Letting Agents

Personal Safety Training for Real Estate and Letting Agents Real estate agents are often at risk of personal harm when showing properties to strangers. They are required to meet and greet potential buyers and show them around unfamiliar properties, which can expose them to various safety hazards. Personal safety training is essential for real estate

Read More

Announcing Our New Deescalation Training Webpage

New Deescalation Training site… We are excited to announce the launch of our new deescalation training webpage at www.deescalation.training! In a world where tensions are high and conflicts seem to be on the rise, it is more important than ever to equip ourselves with the tools and techniques to deescalate situations before they become violent

Read More

Gerard O'Dea


Gerard O'Dea is the Director of Training for Dynamis. Training Advisor, Speaker, Author and Expert Witness on Personal Safety, Conflict Management and Physical Interventions, he is the European Advisor for Vistelar Conflict Management, a global programme focussing on the spectrum of human conflict.