Dietetics:CommunicationCollaboration/Building a Learning Partnership With Your Preceptors 2019

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Relevance of topic to dietetics student learning

We will be interacting with preceptors everyday during year 5
Creating a successful learning partnership with your preceptor is essential in creating a supportive and productive learning environment
ICDEP competencies covered by this topic:
- 1.03 Practice according to organizational requirements
- 1.04 Practice within limits of individual level of professional knowledge and skills
- 1.05 Address professional development needs
- 2.01 Select appropriate communication approaches
- 2.03 Use effective oral communication skills
- 2.04 Use effective interpersonal skills
- 2.05 Contribute to the learning of others
- 2.06 Contribute productively to teamwork and collaborative processes

“A learning partnership is a collaborative process where the mentor and mentee work towards achieving specific, mutually agreed upon goals with the intention of developing the mentee’s skills, abilities, knowledge and thinking. It is a mutual discovery process where both bring something to the relationship and both get something out of it, that will broaden their perspective” (Zachary, 2012)
Tips From Current Preceptors
- Be curious and ask questions
- Be prepared and know what your gaps in knowledge are
- Show enthusiasm and interest
- Be accountable and respectful
- Make sure you have a common understanding of what is expected and your goals

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship
Dealing with conflict appropriately can help strengthen a relationship
Conflict may occur as a result of miscommunication, different expectations or contrasting preferences
To help minimize potential conflict, it is important to:
- Have open communication
- Ask questions and clarify expectations and instructions
- Resolve and address conflict collaboratively
Managing conflict constrictively can help reduce stress levels and increase productivity and performance

Tips to Manage Conflict
Do	Don't
Clear and open communication Try to get an objective point of view Try to understand the other person’s side Use “I” messages rather than starting with “you” Say “yes and” rather than “yes but…” Bring up the most important issues Apologize when appropriate QTIP: Quit Taking It Personally	Ignore it. This can lead to increased stress and unresolved feelings, and can negatively impact the relationship Make assumptions about what the other person in thinking or feeling

Emotional intelligence can help us prevent conflict and manage it constructively. It can also positively affect our performance, relationships, and physical and mental health.
The definition of emotional intelligence is “the ability to listen and empathize, the ability to recognize and regulate emotions in oneself and others, and the ability to communicate effectively” (Kumaran 2012).
Questions to ask yourself:
- What emotion am I feeling?
- How are my thoughts and attitudes leading to this emotion?
- What emotion is the other person expressing?
- How can I positively influence this interaction?
Five Domains Of EI
1. Self-awareness: Develop through reflective practice
2. Self-regulation: ensure your actions align with your values, hold yourself accountable
3. Motivation: Be optimistic and committed to your work
4. Empathy: Try to understand the other person’s position, and recognize and respond to their feelings
5. Social skills: Openly and clearly communicate, build rapport, offer affirmation