In a world that often prioritizes speed and superficial interactions, building deep trust and genuine connection can feel like a lost art. Building trust is the foundation to building a culture that fosters relationships that are not just functional, but generative. Unfortunately, trust has taken a rapid decline both among physicians, nurses, and clinical leaders and between healthcare providers and the community at large. If we are to restore trust and safety in healthcare, we must return to the foundations of what it takes to build them.
The Foundation: Understanding the Dynamics of Connection
We are, as humans, wired to be connected, but connection is built on a foundation of trust, mutual understanding, respect, and psychological safety. When present, these healthy relationships create open communication, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose or belonging. Often, challenges in relationships stem from miscommunication, unaddressed past experiences, or a lack of awareness of how our own internal filters and mental maps influence our interactions with others. However, when we approach relationships with this understanding, we can move beyond judgment and towards genuine curiosity and compassion.
R.E.M.A.P for Deeper Connection
R.E.M.A.P provides a powerful framework for enhancing communication and building rapport, which are essential for trust and connection.
1. REMAP-ing Communication Styles
R.E.M.A.P teaches us that conscious communication begins with recognizing and reflecting on our own communication styles. It also guides us toward greater emotional intelligence by reinforcing emotional awareness and courage when it comes to naming, normalizing and holding ourselves accountable for the impact our emotions have on our reactions and responses.
2. Embracing Imperfection as a Pathway to Building Safety
Practicing Progress Over Perfection is one of the key principles in R.E.M.A.P Framework that allows us to lean into our empathy and humanity. No matter how practiced we might be, we will make mistakes. When we understand that we are always practicing for progress rather than perfection it gives us the space to practice with courage within the background understanding that we can also practice relational repair when necessary. Additionally, this principle gives us the space to practice being vulnerable inside of the “beginner’s mindset”. When leaders practice leading with integrity, accountability, while acknowledging imperfections it communicates that it is safe to make and share mistakes early on so that they can be fixed before major harm occurs.
3. Active Listening and Clarifying
True listening goes beyond just hearing words; it involves understanding the meaning behind them, the emotions conveyed, and the speaker’s underlying intentions. R.E.M.A.P listening helps us to listen more deeply and mirror what we are hearing back to the speaker, clarifying that the picture in their minds of what they are trying to communicate matches the picture in our minds of what we are hearing.
4. Managing Your Internal State
Emotional intelligence in healthcare is often overlooked as an important aspect of building trust and safety, however, the data shows that emotional intelligence builds trust, increases engagement and retention, decreases burnout and increases innovation and collaboration. This is because along with increased awareness of one’s emotions, emotional intelligence builds the muscle of emotional regulation, accurate naming and effective communication of emotion. When we master these skills in ourselves it often translates to our interactions with our colleagues and patients and connects us more deeply with our empathy and humanity. However, it takes courage to be willing to break the harmful narratives that have been built around focusing on building emotional intelligence and fluency. The data shows that building this type of emotional intelligence leads to better communication and effective conflict mitigation and management. Leaders who are emotionally intelligent often help their teams navigate toxic stress environment with more ease.
5. Repairing Ruptures
No relationship is perfect, and ruptures (disagreements, misunderstandings, or hurts) are inevitable. What defines an enriched relationship is the willingness and ability to repair these ruptures. Trauma-informed communication encourages taking responsibility, offering genuine apologies, and working collaboratively to restore trust.
Integrating Trauma-Informed Communication for Deeper Trust
While the R.E.M.A.P Framework provides tools for effective communication, integrating trauma-informed principles adds a crucial layer of depth, particularly when building trust. Trauma-informed communication, recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma (experienced and witnessed) on present behavior and interaction. It’s about creating an environment where individuals feel safe, seen, and respected, even when discussing sensitive topics.
The Journey to Enriched Relationships
Human connection is the bedrock of a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally. From intimate partnerships to professional collaborations, the quality of our relationships profoundly impacts our well-being, success, and overall happiness. Building trust and connection is an ongoing journey that requires conscious effort, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning. By applying the powerful tools of R.EM.A.P to understand communication dynamics and integrating the compassionate framework of trauma-informed communication, you can transform your relationships from merely functional to truly enriched. It’s about creating a ripple effect of understanding, empathy, and genuine connection that extends to every facet of your life, leading to greater fulfillment and a more harmonious world.
Create Psychological Safety in your organization. When you leave your employees feeling seen, heard, understood, valued, appreciated, and respected they will stay and make your organization their career home. Want to know more? Contact Dr. Clairborne to discuss her offerings and how she can help our leaders increase trust, safety and belonging in your organization. Learn more: https://www.mindremappingacademy.com/corporate-programs
