Two weeks ago, I signed about a million HIPPA documents that gave a surgeon permission to slice into my gut like it was a Butterball turkey. Dont worry, it wasnt serious and Im fine, thanks for the concern! Still, since he played Jack the Ripper on my tummy tum tum, it meant staying overnight in a hotel where the staff wakes the guests every hour with a thermometer and blood pressure cuff.
For 24 hours I had the privilege (and I use that word loosely) of sharing a room with two gentlemen (and I REALLY use that word loosely). Seriously, these two guys were redneck residents of Cornfield County. Salute!
Since the walls between us were made of cotton, I was kept awake most of the night by their blaring TVs; one tuned to Judge Judy and the other to, so help me God, re-runs of Petticoat Junction. The severity of this miserable experience was only lessened by one thing: drugs. Every two hours, a nurse showed up at my bedside and gave me a shot of something that made me think 60s sit-coms are actually funny. Then the shift changed.
I waited for my new nurse. And waited some more. And kept waiting. Finally, she arrived and, just as she walked in, her cell phone rang. It was either a personal call, or theres a new trend in calling your co-workers, honey. Im hurtin for certain and then I have to wait even longer while she gabs with her friend. Now Im mad!
Yes, Im a little more observant of patient care since:
1. I work with health care providers on this very issue. 2. Ive lived the good, the bad and the ugly of patient care; and this was definitely ugly.
So, in addition to the luxurious accommodations and two yahoos not much more than an arms length away, I now have a phone conversation causing my much needed care to be postponed. When my needs are the focus of someones job, I want to be (gasp!) the focus. This poor behavior might pass in some other field, but not when the person in question is relying on your service for their health. How did I feel? Like I was a bother, like I was not important, and like my pain took a backseat to her honey.
Whether its in a professional role with a customer, or just a conversation with a friend, the most respectful and influential thing you can do is to give that interaction 110% of your attention.
Just two days before I went into the hospital, I returned from my annual week-long excursion to Camp Mo-Val/Camp TAMBO; the same camp so many of you have read about in my autobiography. On our Wednesday night campout, my group of 14 high schoolers cooked hot dogs and smores that would make Julia Child proud. While we munched on our outdoor dinners, a few of my campers engaged me in an awesome conversation about our favorite books. I love talking literature with anyone, but to do it with young people who are excited over non-academic reading was a real treat!
Just before we bedded down into our sleeping bags, we all came together to do an end-of-the-day wrap up. As we went around the circle, each person shared their high point of the day. More than one said, Talking media with Marc Frankly, I was surprised. But, I shouldnt have been. I cant count the number of times when I, as a high schooler, had strong, lasting impressions made upon me by an adult who took the time to have a one-on-one conversation. Do I remember the contents of those chit chats? Some. But the thing that I do recall, is feeling like I was worth an adults time and attention. More than the content, the important thing was simply the interaction time taken to focus attention on me, as if my opinions and ideas were valuable.
That, fair readers, is a gift we should strive to give all those with whom we interact. Personally, professionally, board room discussions or casual conversations; the more you can give someone your undivided attention, the higher the quality of the interaction.
Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, After ThisAn Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons. His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!
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