One of your supervisors has come to you to request that a practitioner be booked onto a course on ‘Talking with relatives and visitors’.

She feels that this practitioner has difficulties communicating with the relatives and visitors of individuals at the setting, and says that she cringes every time she overhears a conversation. The supervisor does say that she communicates well with the individuals she cares for.

1. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of sending the practitioner on an external course?
2. What benefits would there be in using coaching or mentoring to achieve the desired outcome?
3. How would you promote the idea of addressing the supervisor’s concerns by using coaching or mentoring?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.