William James said:
"I am done with great things and big plans, great institutions and big success. I am for those tiny, invisible loving human forces that work from individual to individual, creeping through the crannies of the world like so many rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, which, if given time, will rend the hardest monuments of pride."
Physicians typically interact with dozens of people every day - patients, family members, hospital staff, office personnel, children, spouse, colleagues. Each of these interactions offers a new opportunity to practice extending "tiny, invisible loving human forces".
Leadership is not just about doing big things or making a huge impact through highly visible acts. Leadership is not just reserved for a few docs who are willing to do these big things. It's something each of us must consider if we are to make a difference in our industry. It's about making a conscious choice as often as possible to be the best person I can be, to try on a new perspective for viewing the world.
For one full day, try extending just a little more patience, interest, empathy, care or attention to each person you encounter, then, at the end of the day, see how you feel. Imagine the difference this could make in the way people view physicians if we all tried this experiment.
Comments