Colgate recently worked with Alex, an inspiring personal development facilitator and coach, to develop a model on how leadership skills can be applied in the dental office.
Inspirational Leadership© point 5: Demonstrate Presence
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you could tell the person you were speaking with was not really paying attention? Imagine the impact that can have on a patient, if they think you are simply ‘going through the motions’. Be warned, it is easy to give this impression at the end of a long day, when you have already seen ten other patients. But think, for that person, in that moment, it is the first time they have truly thought about the treatment or procedure you are explaining. If you are truly going to ‘demonstrate presence’, it is those defining moments that will set you apart as a leader.
Tip for you in your role: Treat every appointment, every moment with a patient as if it was the ‘first time’. Treat it with the same level of enthusiasm, sincerity and empathy that you did the first time. This will mean that you will stay fresh, connected, and most importantly, demonstrating real presence with everybody you encounter.
As you engage with patients, make a conscious effort to really listen to what they say, let them finish without interrupting, then acknowledge and value their input before letting them know what is on your mind. Try it; the world is a much more interesting place when you do!
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