The one thing
that makes being a 911 emergency dispatcher different is the fact that for many
departments you work with one or two people 8 hours a day for 40 hours a week.
This is a long time to be working with someone. Also the typical communications
environment is enclosed and segregated from the rest of the department. Much
like police officers you get a partner and like it or not you're stuck with one
another.
Scheduling is one of the biggest headaches your supervisor has to accomplish. When
dispatchers can't get along because of personality conflicts it has a serious
effect on the overall operation.
How then do you get along? Hear are a couple of suggestions.
1. Have an understanding from day one: On your first shift
together with your new partner take a minute with them and discuss how you both
like to do business. Take turns describing likes and dislikes. For instance, you
might like to handle certain situations in a different way than your new partner
has experienced with others they have worked with. This can cause friction
between the two of you , but the effect is lessened when you have talked it out
before hand. A fact of life in dispatch is that newly partnered
dispatchers are always a little suspicious of each other - at least in the
beginning. Talking it out at in the beginning goes a long way to dispelling the
suspicions. Its just like buddies in a fox hole, you have to learn
to get along. Not only for your own piece of mind and well-being, but for the
success of the shift and the safety of the public and others. You don't have to
love one another, but you have to get along.
2.
Understand that no two people are alike: Snowflakes are
different and so are people. Each of you has different likes and dislikes. They
are bound to come up during an 8-hour shift together, so learn to give and take.
Learn to cooperate instead of compete. Dispel the notion that in order for
you to like someone they have to be like you. You have your own warts, so
do they. Instead of concentrating on the warts, look beyond to the person
overall. You might be surprised.
3.
Keep opinions to yourself: If you disagree with your partner
take it up with them - NOT other dispatchers. Nothing rots a relationship like
gossip. Of course if their behavior is detrimental to the mission you should
talk to them, and then to your supervisor if they do not respond appropriately.
These are just a few suggestions. Maybe you have a few more! If so let
us know at tpmac@headsets911.com.
Helping Dispatchers Cope
with Stress!
