Progress Notes Issue 71: Doing business with Gratitude
Clinician's Business Tip: Doing business with Gratitude Nurse Practitioners are great at building relationships with their patients and families. We listen, we interact, and in general, we appreciate them. It's part of our DNA. However, when we are stressed, busy, worried and overworked, we don't always do a great job, and it can affect our work environment as well as the growth of our business. According to Wikipedia, "Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive." The power of gratitude is often overlooked -- not only from a business point of view, but often from a personal point of view as well. This powerful concept does not receive the recognition it deserves and thus is often ignored in many businesses. Recapturing and cultivating the attitude of gratitude in our workplace benefits us, our staff and our patients. As common sense as this seems, we all know that common sense is not always common practice and that many need reminders. Gratitude is a multi-aspect powerful tool that can be used by individuals, businesses, employees and clients alike. It not only makes you and your staff feel better, it also has the power to help grow your business through word of mouth -- i.e. referrals from your patients. Most of us welcome opportunities to grow our practice. The thing is, we can't really "use" gratitude. Gratitude comes from within…in order for it to work…we need to feel it. Saying "thank you" begrudgingly is just not going to work, it must be authentic. It must start with you. You'll want to cultivate the attitude of gratitude in your practice. It's not difficult and you'll find it spreads just like viruses -- but in a good way. Here are just a few tips to get you thinking about how you can instill gratitude in your practice.
- Keep a gratitude journal for yourself. Daily write down at least 5 things you are grateful for. As you do this more, you'll find that your list of 5 will grow. It will make a world of difference in your own outlook.
- Be generous in letting your staff know how much you appreciate them. This is the best kind of "viral campaign" that will be passed around to others.
- Let your patients know you appreciate their business. Consider sending a heartfelt thank you card or hosting a patient appreciation evening.
- Always say thank you with a smile. Enough said.
- Create a giving program through your business. Give generously, it has a way of coming back to you in many ways.
One more important point about gratitude. Great leaders, which you are, are thoughtful and gracious in their giving, look for every opportunity to show their gratitude, and cultivate the attitude of gratitude in their life, business and practice. I'd love to hear the steps you are taking to cultivate the attitude of gratitude in your business and practice. Drop by our Facebook page and share your story.
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