Physician Influence: Not Just What You Say, But How You Say It

Physicians spend years learning how to make an accurate diagnosis with speed and clarity.  They take decades honing their ability to pronounce treatment.  Patients expect this and go to their physicians for the experience.

But, system leaders do not ‘go to the doctor’ for diagnosis and treatment.  A physical exam approach with other leaders creates resistance, not change.

We need something different.

It’s elementary, my dear Watson…

Modernism prized clear, logical, concrete thinking.  Telling it like it is, being straight forward, and efficient with words used to be something to model.

Today, people know that the ‘right’ approach isn’t always right, and ‘terrible’ outcomes aren’t always terrible.  We live more complex lives now; life isn’t so simple; authorities aren’t always right.

Influence is more than giving the right answer.  Physicians often pronounce their ‘diagnosis and treatment’ for the healthcare system and wonder at the lack of engagement from their audience.  At a large meeting of physicians recently, members wondered whether they should ever speak up having had bad reactions to their approach in the past.

Ideas are useless if they do not effect change.  If we can’t figure out a way to apply our diagnosis and treatment so that the system improves, we waste time and frustrate others.  Influence starts with relationship, shared objectives, respect, and a commitment to work together.

It’s not just what we say, but how we say it.

(photo credit: http://files-cdn.formspring.me/)