You’ve been feeling crook for two days…. At least, you think it’s been two days.The waves of nausea, smacking headaches and crazy hallucinations followed by long periods of semi-consciousness mean it could have been longer.
You’re not feeling any better, in fact if anything, you’re
feeling worse. Maybe, you’re thinking, this isn’t the “24 hour bug” after
all….?
It’s Friday.
You can’t take much more of this, so you struggle to the
phone and ring your GP to beg for an appointment before the weekend.
What would you like to hear?
Sure, I’ll stay late today! No patients = no money! And I’m in this game to make a profit like everyone else.
or
Sure, I’ll stay late today! You sound terrible
and my mission is to heal people. I care about you.
Almost 2 years after the live export ban debacle and with all the work around “values-based engagement” since I’m surprised farmers are still saying to me:
“Of course I look after my livestock/environment! I wouldn’t make any money if I didn’t! I’m here to make money, just like everybody else.”
There is a base understanding in society that everyone needs
to earn an income in order to support themselves, or their families. I think we accept that as a given – it doesn’t
need to be spoken. It certainly doesn’t need to be spoken first!
At a base level, you know the doctor has to see patients in
order to make money. In this example, you’ll probably even accept that you have
to pay extra to see the GP after hours.
And because you are so sick, you may even feel relieved to get
the first response!
But what perceptions are you left with about the doctor’s
motivations? What will you tell your friends and neighbours about their
attitude, when you’re well again?
It’s the same with agriculture. Everyone knows you’re in
business to earn an income to support yourselves, or your family.
What people want to know is your mission. And that you care.
