I'm not a patient I belong to a practice.
We as a human race all have a desire to belong to something, usually something greater than ourselves. I mean who doesn't want to be part of a movement something that is changing the world one step at a time? Do your patients know that what you are doing is more than just seeing them so you can pay the bills and put your children thru college? Do they understand that if you can help them find health that they will be able to do greater things every day? No I'm not suggesting that each of your patients are going to come get adjusted, immediately feel better, and then go find a cure for world peace. What I am suggesting is that each of your patients are going to come into your office, get adjusted, feel a sense of belonging, and take that sense of belonging and kindness out into a hurting world. This is how you can change the world one adjustment at a time.
How do you create a sense of belonging in an office?
Call them by their first name... isn't that what your friends call you?
Let them call you by your name...again isn't that what friends do?
Let them know your dreams and goals. How can they work alongside you towards a goal unless you tell them about that goal?
Listen to them. No I'm not talking about listening to their subjective complaints I'm talking about taking a moment and listening to them as a person and being there to celebrate the highs and lows in life.
Eat together. Isn't that what all friends and families do? I know mine does. Maybe having a summer practice picnic, or a winter coffee and hot chocolate bar.
Get active in your community. Find an organization that you and your patients can impact together maybe it is thru volunteering, maybe a 5K, or thru donations to a soup kitchen or food bank. This also lets others in your town know that you are an alive and growing part of the community.
I would love to hear your ideas about how your practice makes it's patients feel a sense of belonging.
Your Best is Yet to Come,
Karen Sweigart-Harris