Finding the Pass in the Impasse

I was leading a conflict management workshop for beleaguered nurse supervisors and their administrator when the administrator suddenly declared, "What happens if you're just tired of accommodating these (mostly made) doctors, being the one who always has to bend. Then what?"

 As "the expert," I definitely felt on the hot seat. Fortunately, only time froze, my brain was cooking. I finally replied, 'Try telling the doctor you may not be your normal cheerful self today. And when he asks, 'Why not,' say, 'I hurt my back.' When he inquires, in a somewhat haughty manner, "Now how did that happen," in a most humble manner reply, 'I'm not so sure, but I think I've been bending over backwards for too many people lately.'" The nurses roared their approval.

 Just remember .. practice safe stress!