Do you have those days where your mind constantly wanders to a problem or issue you’re having? You could be making a list of errands you need to run, or plans for vacation!
Does stress or fatigue cause you to struggle to concentrate on what your patient or co-worker is saying?
It’s easy to let your mind wander, especially if you’re stressed, tired, or busy. We understand that it takes a lot of time and energy to succeed, but you owe it to your patient, co-worker, friend, child, partner, and YOURSELF to be present.
Zen masters state that “Being present is being free. When you live in the past or future, you miss out on the peace in the present.”
When you aren’t being present, you rob yourself and others from a true connection. At the workplace, if you don’t foster a connection with your patients you could miss an opportunity the patient provides you with. It could be a comment they make about their life, care plan, finances or self image. These opportunities require you to be present, take notice and dig a little deeper with clarifying questions.
Patients may not return if you aren’t engaging enough. No one wants their dentist to appear to be a zombie going through the motions! Remember that people feel truly cared for when someone listens to them. Don’t you feel extra special when someone remembers your name or a fact about you?
What will you gain from being more present? You will feel calmer because you’re able to focus on one task or person. You will work more efficiently instead of over multi-tasking. You will also gain a genuine connection with your patients and co-workers, which will make your workplace more positive.
Our dental office consulting and practice coaching have helped hundreds of clients with dental practice management in Michigan and Ohio. The following tips yield the greatest amount of results when followed consistently.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition to help you stay focused.
- Remove extra distractions. Try not to carry a cell phone on your person. Even when your phone is on vibrate, it can cause a commotion when it buzzes.
- If you find music relaxes your patients try to play only instrumental music to make conversation flow easier.
- Review your patient’s file in a quiet location where you’re less likely to be interrupted.**
- If you’re morning has been challenging, try to take a quick walk during a break to get re-energized.
Brendon Burchard, a self-help guru, states that at the end of our life we typically ask three questions. “Did I live?” “Did I love?” “Did I matter?” Read more at http://confidentspace.com/being-present-brendon-burchard.html
Burchard reminds us that to live with purpose and passion. He says, “Having a plan for your life, knowing what you want to achieve, having a purposeful meaning to get up every day, all these things are “being present” in your life.”
In the field of dentistry, you certainly matter to your patients. You have the knowledge and skills to not only make their smiles more beautiful, but to take their pain away, and improve their health and greatly impact their life. Make a difference today and be present with your patients. We’re here to help you with management of your dental practice. Call us today to schedule your free dental practice analysis or free hygiene assessment.
**If you don’t do so already keep a small note section in your patient’s file. If they mention their job, vacation, hobby etc. Make note of any pertinent facts. The next time they schedule an appointment refresh your memory with these notes and use it as an ice breaker for the current visit. This tip doesn’t necessarily help you stay present, but it can make your patient feel like you listen well.
Strategic Practice Solutions, LLC