I noticed her eyes starting to swell with tears. I empathetically kept quiet and waited for her to speak. After a few seconds she replied, “my parents have spent so much time and money on this missing tooth and bridge!” There is a significant story waiting to be told and needing to be heard.
Often as health professionals, we rush into diagnosis and treatment recommendations prior to gathering all the necessary information. People have stories that need to be told and heard. Their stories will impact what needs to happen next with the patients health care process.
“I was in an automobile accident, I lost this tooth and someone died.” It wasn’t replacing the bridge that was upsetting her, it was the link to her devastating STORY that made her emotional.
Hearing her story was my guide as how to handle her particular situation. Pay attention to what people share with you, because….
…there is an important story behind every SMILE (or missing tooth).
Make it a great day.
Dr J
5844 NW Barry Rd. #220, Kansas City, MO 64154
February 5, 2012
..a Story behind every Smile…
You can’t do it alone.
You can’t do it alone. We all need someone to help us along the way no matter what it is we are trying to accomplish. When I am engaged in a Cosmetic dental case, the patient and I work closely together to accomplish the new Smile that the patient is wanting. More importantly we work together to help create the possibility of the new Life that they have dreamed about. Together, not alone, we create their new Smile and release them to go forth as they have dreamed about, with their new life.
Make it a great day!
Dr. J
February 4, 2012
Listen > Believe > Value
When we hear someone speak, we choose to hear them or LISTEN, we then have the option to BELIEVE or not what we are listening to and we then place VALUE on what we just heard. If we like and trust the person speaking, the process is simple and straight forward. Give those around you who are listening to you a reason to slip into this process easily and gracefully. Be a person who radiates likability and trust.
Have a great day!
Dr. J
January 28, 2012
Bruce, my Hero!
This past Thursday, January 26th, a friend of mine Bruce passed away as a result of ALS. It was almost 2 years ago exactly that he was diagnosed with the disease.
In sports there is a saying, “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” With ALS, tragically there is no winner other than the disease, it always wins. ALS gives you a very short term calendar to “play your game” as best as you can. ALS makes it’s own rules and changes them as the game goes along. That is looked upon as cheating!
As Bruce played out the final 2 years of his game with ALS, he did WIN! :-] He didn’t let ALS conquer his courage, his emotional strength, his wonderful sense of humor, his smile and his passion about life. During those 2 years, with his leadership, he and Bruce’s Battalion raised over $50,000.00 for ALS Foundation to support research in hopes of the ultimate defeat of ALS.
He challenged us to continue our efforts in the battle for he will be watching us always.
Everyone wants and needs heros in their lives, Bruce is one of mine. I will always have Bruce on my shoulder with my small battalion of heros, looking to him for guidance when needed. He will answer the call. That’s the way he was and forever will be.
January 27, 2012
Listen to MY Story!
The most important way for anyone to really connect with another person is speak to them about what is relevant to them, not what is relevant to you. Ask and listen to their story . We learn and remember through stories. People like to feel important and like they matter. If we ask and then talk with them about what they are interested in, they will feel listened to, valued and appreciated. Next time you want to make a difference in some ones life., pause a moment to ask, listen and then engage with them on their terms. You’ll be amazed as to the outcome.
Make it a great day!
Dr. John Gordon