Why We Pull Each Other Down and How to Rise Above It: A Reflection on Occupational Therapy and Human Nature

building community collaboration fostering innovation occupational therapy support overcoming criticism professional growth Dec 28, 2024

In both personal and professional life, it’s common to see a negative habit: pulling others down. Even when we aim to be positive and supportive, many of us have faced criticism or judgement from others. This could be in the form of small comments or direct accusations. This behaviour hurts not just individuals but entire communities, including those in occupational therapy (OT).

 

Why Do We Pull Each Other Down?

Not everyone does this. There are many examples of teams and individuals who lift each other up. Some OTs work in places where kindness and teamwork are the norm. I’ve been lucky enough to experience this, and it moved me deeply.

However, pulling others down is still a problem across many professions. It’s especially tough for women, who often face judgement based on their looks, clothing, or actions. According to Magnetic Feminine, women are often their own biggest critics, and this self-criticism spills over to how they treat others. We hold ourselves to impossible standards, and when others don’t meet them, we may judge them harshly.

 

How This Shows Up in Occupational Therapy

This isn’t just a personal issue; it affects workplaces too. Even in a caring field like OT, some therapists face judgement and criticism. Why does this happen?

Much of it comes from fear and insecurity. In healthcare, people worry about things like being sued, reported, or blamed for mistakes. This creates a culture of fear, which makes it hard to try new ideas.

When someone does try something different, like starting a new business or using a fresh approach, it can make others uncomfortable. They may criticise or even report them, fearing change. I’ve seen this happen in our own business. Some OTs, nicknamed the “OT Police,” have reported us to professional bodies, but their actions were driven by fear, not facts.

 

Why Change Feels Scary

New ideas can feel threatening because they challenge the old ways. The familiar feels safe, and change can seem risky. Instead of asking questions or learning more, people often react with judgement or policing.

For example, when I was falsely reported to a professional body in the UK, it was clear the complaint came from fear, not malice. Luckily, the body saw through it. But it showed me how much energy people put into tearing others down when they feel insecure.

 

The Real Cost of Criticism

This behaviour comes at a high price. It creates fear, blocks new ideas, and stops progress. I often hear from OTs who want to start something new but worry about what their colleagues will think. They’re afraid of judgement, so they hold back.

This fear often comes from a bigger question: What if the new way works? If it does, it challenges the old way of doing things. This can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a question we need to face if we want to grow.

 

What Happens When We Support Each Other?

Now imagine the opposite. What if OTs cheered each other on? What if we looked at new ideas with curiosity instead of fear? By asking questions and showing support, we could create an environment full of creativity and innovation.

I’ve found that staying curious about new ideas, rather than being judgemental, is powerful. It opens doors to new possibilities.

 

Changing the Story

We can change how we talk about success. Instead of focusing on failure and fear, we can share stories of creativity and freedom. Imagine the inspiration we could spread by supporting each other’s ideas.

The world is changing, and so is our profession. Many OTs are exploring exciting new ideas and starting businesses. It’s amazing to see what’s possible when we work together. The more we support each other, the more we can achieve.

If you’d like to hear more about this, listen to our podcast episode on OT Yourself to Freedom. We discuss why people pull each other down, how to rise above it, and ways to create a supportive community. Click here to listen now!

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