Professional Etiquette for the Integrated Care Psychologist

What are those unwritten rules that professionals seem to know about how to “play nice with others?” I call it “professional etiquette.” These are social skills for the integrated care workplace that I’ve learned over the years or adapted from mentors and colleagues. They may not apply to every integrated care setting, but I hope they may be useful for many of you practicing in integrated care or elsewhere.

1. Respondez sil vous plait! Respond to emails, phone calls, and texts in a timely fashion. If you’re not able to respond the way you’d like, respond and let them know you’ve seen it and will respond later.

2. Pick up the phone. Sometimes a text or an email just doesn’t cut it. If you need a quick response, connect by phone or in person.

3. Connect in person (gasp!). Nothing is stronger than a personal connection. Make time to see team members and colleagues in person, even for a quick hello.

4. Say thank you. We don’t provide reinforcement nearly enough.

5. Be kind. The best integrated care colleagues are kind to everyone from the cleaning service to the hospital CEO.

6. Dress appropriately. Presenting yourself professionally is important. Your team will value being able to introduce you and know you will be professionally turned out. At my hospital, the men wear ties, the women wear suits or dresses for the most part. White coat optional.

7. Catch others doing a good job and make it public. Reinforcement again. Everyone loves to have their team members recognized.

8. Do what you say you’re going to do. Follow through on commitments.

9. Stop competing with each other. Psychologists in medical settings sometimes feel like they need to compete each other for a piece of the pie or leadership. Celebrate your colleagues and let them shine.

10. Don’t get too big for your britches. Whether you are reviewing a journal article or doing a job interview, remember that the person you are interacting with may come up later in life in a different position. Excellent professionals are respectful and courteous, even when giving critical feedback, and especially with early career professionals.

1. Don’t take it personally. Remain courteous and don’t burn bridges.

2. Keep it brief. Don’t go on forever in meetings; again, some psychologists sometimes feel like they need to make their presence known. Do this, but do it when it is pertinent and keep it pithy.

3. Support your colleagues. Write recommendation letters, nominate them for awards, and be there for consultation and support.

4. Be respectful. Remember that your colleagues come from different professions and different backgrounds. Respect other’s strengths.

5. Be timely. Set deadlines and keep to them. When you can’t, let others know and set a new deadline. And be mindful of other’s time.

6. Be present. Listen to your colleagues and avoid multitasking. Checking your phone , working on your laptop, and avoiding eye contact tell everyone you’re not listening (even if you think you’re being subtle).

7. Wait before sending that email. Or even trash that first draft and start over when you're feeling calmer and thinking more clearly.

8. Be a cheerleader for psychology and psychologists. Have confidence in your background in psychological science, and let your expertise shine while recognizing the value of other guilds.

9. Consider culture, gender. Don't make assumptions, ask inappropriately personal questions, or cross boundaries.