I've had a number of pretty random appointments with medical professionals recently. The one I cannot shake from my memory is my visit the doctor who stopped mid sentence to check his Blackberry and then had a hard time remembering where we left off. Really!?! REALLY!?! And then there was they doc who definitely seemed drunk or high or both and avoided answering any direct questions regarding my ailment. I'm typically going in blind, selecting someone off of the approved insurance provider list or in the above cases, being rolled over to one of the other members of the practice when my primary care physician is too busy so no telling who is going to walk through the door.
In all of that, it occurred to me that as I work with students in my day job, I have a heightened awareness of my own manner. When someone walks into my office, I want them to feel as comfortable here as I do. Now I'm wondering if I can do more to creating a caring, inviting and safe space by what I say and how I interact. Many students come in overwhelmed by life and intimidated to be in the office of another adult who may very well treat them like a child.
I want to grow in the practice of thoughtful advising. Just as I relate to a friend or colleague with their concerns, I want to show care and concern to my students. I want my bedside manner to be just as desirable as my knowledge and professionalism. I can think of many examples where I have been given correct information, in what could be perceived as a brash manner and I don't want to be that guy.
So, first step: Choose to actually give a rip about my job and those who rely on me to do it. I think that is a good place to begin.
So, first step: Choose to actually give a rip about my job and those who rely on me to do it. I think that is a good place to begin.
