Power, Respect, and Public Behaviour

Professionals are often seen as role models. How people are treated in public settings gives a message about the values of the profession. ^[2][1]

Respect as a public act

Polite, calm interactions with service staff, drivers, and neighbours reflect positively on judgement and empathy. ^[3][2]

Discriminatory language or humiliating someone in public undermines claims of dignity and fairness in clinic. ^[8][3]

Habits and safeguards that help

• Everyday habits: lower your voice when frustrated; step away to cool down; and use simple, neutral wording when service falls short. ^[4]
• Safeguards: avoid public arguments while wearing badges or uniforms; plan safe transport after events; and decline online “pile-ons” even if provoked. ^[1][3][4]

Owning incidents and learning

If an incident happens, taking responsibility quickly rather than defensively can help repair trust. Repair may include an apology to the person affected and a short reflection on triggers and better future choices. Teams that see leaders own mistakes often feel more confident to act similarly. ^[5][6][7]

Recording visible events

Records of public incidents should capture the facts and any learning. Sharing anonymised examples in team reviews helps embed standards and prevent repeat problems. ^[7][6]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians — 17. Do not damage the reputation of your profession through your conduct. General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Role Modeling in Medical Education: The Importance of a Reflective Imitation — Jochanan Benbassat. Academic Medicine Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Using social media as a medical professional. General Medical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Violence and aggression: short-term management in mental health, health and community settings (NICE guideline NG10). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Candour — openness and honesty when things go wrong / Being open and honest with patients in your care. General Medical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams — Amy Edmondson. Administrative Science Quarterly (June 1999) Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). NHS England Find (opens in a new tab)
8. Discrimination, feeling undervalued, and health-care workforce attrition: an analysis from the UK-REACH study. The Lancet Find (opens in a new tab)