Author: Brian Lee

Calming Down Your Networking Nerves

Posted on by Brian Lee

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Do I have to go? Whom will I talk to? What do I say?

These questions used to flood my mind anytime a networking event was presented.

I envied those that waltzed into a networking event with such relaxation and grace and that could approach strangers. I’d much rather be sitting at a table with my friends sipping a cocktail having a fun, effortless conversation.

The purpose of networking events is to enhance your career through making professional connections. Name tags, beverages of some sort (not always alcohol), and/or appetizers may accompany a networking event to give a relaxed atmosphere. It didn’t relax me. Once that name tag was on, I was feeling alone in a crowd of people. It’s where my nerves would immediately kick in.

Thankfully, with some practice, I learned some ways to calm down, take a breath and enjoy myself. This is how:

People are there to talk! Believe me, I know it is intimidating to walk up to a stranger and introduce yourself. But the chances of being completely ignored are very slim. People expect to be approached and talked to at networking events.

Have a conversation. This is your chance to wow them. No pressure right? Try to think of it as a conversation you’re having with a close friend. This relaxed me and I was able to speak more freely without the nervousness. Exchange of professions is common but it can go anywhere from there. I’ve found that asking general questions (regarding: venue, where they are from, etc.) can lead to topics that are easy to talk about.

These brief conversations can lead to good things. Perhaps I’ll see this person at another networking event, thankful I know a familiar face. Who knows? Eventually that person could turn into a friend who sits with me at a table while sipping cocktails.

What to do When a Physician Makes a Mistake

Posted on by Brian Lee

INTRODUCTIONdoctor-563428_1920

Everyone makes mistakes, but unfortunately when physicians err, the consequences are usually more severe. As a result, having a crisis communications plan to cover this type of scenario, however unlikely, is essential for hospitals and clinics. These plans are designed to protect and restore public confidence in an individual and the organization itself.

WHY HAVE A CRISIS COMMUNICATION PLAN

When a crisis occurs, you usually don’t have any time to think–you’re too busy responding and reacting. A pre-written plan helps establish a mutually agreed upon process and course of action for hospital staff (e.g. CEO, legal, HR, etc.) to follow, if a physician mistake occurs.

Your plan also should have pre-written messages and an assigned spokeperson(s), which also will help your organization be faster and more proactive in working with the media and other audiences.

WHAT ACTIONS TO TAKE IN A HEALTHCARE CRISIS

So a mistake has been made, now how to react? Follow the action items in the crisis communications plan.

Your first audience should be internal. Show staff that the hospital or clinic is taking the situation seriously, be transparent with your course of actions and kill the rumor mill.

It’s also important to acknowledge the situation publicly. Do not deny it, and avoid saying “no comment” (which implies guilt). Remember, the victim in this scenario is the patient, not the physician.

Don’t let others shape the story. You want to stay ahead of it by explaining what happened and explaining what you plan to do (e.g. additional training, new safety procedures, etc.) to make sure the incident doesn’t happen again.

In your statement, you should apologize. The incorrect thinking is that apologizing leads to a lawsuit (read this study that shows “the link between litigation risk and the practice of disclosure and apology is tenuous”). Saying “I’m sorry” shows the physician and hospital are remorseful, which is important.

More often than not, the public is willing to forgive, especially if you follow these steps.