Halloween is officially here, and so are all things frightening! When it comes to operating your own chiropractic practice, there are plenty of things that can cause feelings of unease or even fear. Here are three words leaders shouldn’t be afraid to use.
I Don’t Understand.
Think back on moments you’ve felt the awkward silence building or stumbled over your words because you just didn’t know the answer. As a leader, you might think you should know all the answers. You should have every aspect of owning and operating a successful chiropractic practice under your belt, but the truth is, we are all continuing to learn and grow. And it’s okay to say, “I don’t understand”. Here’s why:
“I don’t understand” allows you to make your position clear.
Understanding where exactly your patients, employees, or colleagues are coming from allows you to avoid miscommunications down the road. When you start with what you don’t understand, those around you can further explain so you can gather as much information as possible before moving forward with the conversation.
"I don't understand" helps you gain new knowledge.
Those that are seeking your input, both professionally and personally, want to know they can trust you. When you are honest and acknowledge that you don’t fully understand where they are coming from, you show them that you are trustworthy and desire open communication. This helps you to fully understand who you are talking with and how to better the situation.
"I don't understand" helps you become more likable.
Studies suggest that being an honest person makes you more likable. Rather than feeling stuck and unable to answer a question, acknowledging that you aren’t 100% positive of the answer shows your willingness to be honest and upfront.
"I don't understand" prompts you to ask the right questions.
Let’s say you are speaking with an employee who is expressing an issue they are having at the practice. These discussions are difficult enough to have, but they are going into tangents and causing confusion. Rather than move on to the next part of the conversation, acknowledging that you don’t fully understand what their issue is allows you to gain more information and ask better questions. Asking the right questions can help whoever is having an issue paint a clear picture of what the problem is. When you have additional information, you can adjust your strategy and position to do what is right for your practice.
You might be afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers, but we are all continuing to learn and grow together. Remember to put your focus on the relationship and providing value, and you’ll be okay. To learn more about joining a community that is committed to helping you find both personal and professional success, click here for a free coaching call.