The Polite Power Move: The Secret to Calling Out Mistakes at Work

Correcting a colleague or supervisor can be tricky for anyone. It becomes even more complex when English is not your first language. You may worry about sounding rude, or you may fear that your own language skills are not perfect.

Yet, avoiding correction in order to stay polite can do more harm than good. In healthcare, small communication errors can have big consequences for patient care. More than that, holding back too much can weaken your sense of authority and confidence.

Here are practical ways to address mistakes in a caring but direct manner so you can protect patient safety and maintain respect on your team.

Recognize Why Correction Matters

In a medical setting, accuracy is key. When a supervisor gives a verbal order that includes a wrong term or when a colleague shares a piece of patient information incorrectly, it can lead to confusion. This confusion could affect patient care, cause delays, or even result in a dangerous oversight.

If no one steps in to correct the mistake, the error might keep getting repeated. That is why it is vital to speak up, even if the person you are addressing outranks you. Remember, you are not just defending yourself; you are protecting the patient and your team's reputation.

But there is more than patient safety at stake. Correcting others, when done thoughtfully, also builds your professional presence. Think of it like a sign that says, "I care about quality." Showing that you are willing to make a situation better, rather than just ignoring the problem, reveals strong leadership qualities.

Over time, people will begin to trust your judgment and see you as someone who pays attention to detail. Ignoring errors may make you feel polite in the short term, but you lose a chance to display your expertise.

Tackle Impostor Syndrome Head-On

Healthcare professionals who are non-native English speakers often struggle with impostor syndrome. They may think, "I'm not good enough to correct anyone else," or "People will only notice my accent." These thoughts make it tempting to keep quiet whenever you spot a slip. But remember that your position and training got you where you are for a reason. You have important insights, and your voice deserves to be heard. Your accent or your grammar does not invalidate the truth of what you are saying.

A useful way to fight impostor syndrome is to focus on the real-world impact of your words. If you fail to speak up, a small error could become a bigger one. If you do speak up, and do so kindly, you protect patients and help your entire team. This shift in mindset can help you see that correction is not about showing off; it's about ensuring the best outcomes for everyone.

Choose the Right Moment and Setting

Timing and location are crucial. Correcting someone in front of a group, especially a supervisor, can feel embarrassing to them. That can trigger defensive reactions or damage trust. A better approach is to wait until you have a calm, private moment to address the mistake. If a colleague is giving a shift report to five people, and you notice an error, make a mental note.

When the conversation is over, you can ask if they can talk. That way, they won't feel exposed or attacked.

Selecting the right setting also allows for a more relaxed exchange. When people feel less tense, they are more open to hearing feedback. This is true no matter what language you speak.

Use a Collaborative Tone

It may help to frame your correction as an act of teamwork. For example, instead of saying, "That word is wrong," you might say, "I want to double-check something together." By asking to solve a problem as a team, you show that your intent is not to shame but to ensure accuracy. This helps the other person see you as a partner in good care, rather than a critic.

You can also use phrases like:

• "I've seen a different approach. Let me share it and see what you think."
• "I heard you mention X, but I recall Y from the guidelines. Maybe we can confirm this together."

This style of language keeps the conversation open. The other person gets room to speak their mind or explain their side. You appear both confident and respectful.

Support Your Point with Facts

In healthcare, evidence is powerful. If you are pointing out a medical term or dosage instruction mistake, refer to a standard protocol or a reliable source. This approach reduces the focus on you versus them. Instead, it becomes about the correct procedure. You become a guide who is helping your colleague or supervisor remain consistent with known guidelines.

For instance, you might say, "I think that the standard protocol states a different dose. Let's check the official list to make sure we have the right number." This approach shows you value accuracy and are willing to work together to find the best solution.

Ask Questions to Lead to the Answer

Sometimes, people respond better when they realize on their own. Asking questions is a gentle way to guide them. For example, suppose you know the correct term for a medication, but your supervisor uses the wrong name. In that case, you might say, "Did you mean [correct term]?" or "Could it be that this medication is known under two names?" They may correct themselves without feeling criticized.

By asking questions, you let the person reconsider what they said and then reevaluate. You also show that you are open to their reasoning. If they are right, you learn something new. If you are right, they come to see it on their own.

Maintain Positive Body Language and Tone

Nonverbal cues can set the mood for your message. No matter how polite your words are, crossed arms or a tense face may make you seem aggressive. Keep your posture open and relaxed. Make gentle eye contact and nod to show you're listening. Use a calm tone of voice that is neither too soft nor too loud. When your body language matches your polite words, the other person feels more at ease and becomes ready to accept what you have to say.

Offer an Invitation to Discussion

After presenting your correction or suggestion, invite the other person to respond. You can say something like, "What do you think about this?" or "Do you see any drawbacks to this approach?" By doing so, you show that you respect their expertise and want to hear their thoughts. This step is important. It confirms that you value mutual respect, even as you stand firm on accuracy.

Reflect on Feedback and Grow

When you correct someone, they might push back. This can happen even if you do everything right. Sometimes, people react poorly because they feel defensive or embarrassed. In these moments, remind yourself that your duty is to help. Do not take it personally. Later, you can reflect on the situation: Was there a better way to phrase your point? Were you mindful of their feelings?

Reflection after each experience helps you refine your approach for the next time. Over time, you will gain more poise and skill in guiding others toward correct usage or procedures.

Why Every Healthcare Professional Should Learn This Skill

Clear and respectful correction saves time, avoids confusion, and keeps patient care on track. It also empowers teams to maintain the highest standards. When errors go unchallenged, they breed further mistakes. For non-native English speakers, learning to correct colleagues in a measured way has an added benefit: it proves your command of professional communication. It shows you can handle delicate moments, even in your second language. This is key for career growth and building trust in a multi-lingual medical environment.

Remember, your role as a healthcare professional involves more than medical tasks. You are also a communicator, team member, and leader. Mastering the skill of polite correction helps you in each of these areas.

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