By Dr. Greg Davis, Senior Pastor
Better communication is needed today. Take this story, for example.
One man recently walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him why he was there.
He said, "Shingles."
So she took down his name, address, and medical insurance number and told him to have a seat. Fifteen minutes later, a nurse's aide came out and asked him what was the purpose of his visit.
He said, "Shingles."
So she took down his height, weight, and a complete medical history and told him to wait in the examining room. A half-hour later a nurse came in and asked him what he had.
He said, "Shingles."
So she gave him a blood test, a blood pressure test, and an electrocardiogram and told him to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor. An hour later the doctor came in to examine the man and asked him what he had.
He said, "Shingles."
The doctor said, "Where?"
He said, "Outside in the truck. Where do you want them?"
When you need something, try the following:
- If you don’t think the person you’re talking to understands what you are saying, make sure you explain fully what you need.
- Get them to repeat it so you know they understand you.
- If they talk over your head, tell them you need them to explain it to you in simple, plain English.
- Smile.
- Be persistent.
Much fear and frustration stems from poor communication. So does the loss of time, money, and energy. Do your best to communicate effectively – make sure you are heard!