Do you ever find yourself in uncomfortable situations, and question the best thing to say?
I used to feel very uncomfortable when people gave me compliments. Inevitably I would say things to diminish myself. If someone complimented my dress I would say, “Oh, this old thing…..” Or, if someone recognized an accomplishment I would say, “I just got lucky.” Or, if someone recognized an act of kindness, I would say, “Anyone would do that!”
I came to recognize that this response did not serve either myself or the person delivering the compliment. I felt embarrassed. The person who delivered the compliment felt dismissed. Both of us left the encounter frowning.
I knew I wanted to say something different, but what would it be?
I sat down and made a list of things I could say when someone delivered a compliment. Then I practiced. I said the new scripts out loud as I went for walks.
Then the day came when I got a real compliment. I took a deep breath and delivered my new practiced script. And I noticed something. Both of us were smiling at the end of the encounter.
Uncomfortable Situations
You may find yourself in situations that make you feel uncomfortable as you attract, engage and serve more doctor clients. Here are a few:
**Starting a Conversation in a Social Setting**
You want to begin a conversation with a doctor you meet at a dinner party or community event.
**Prospecting a Doctor Who Treats You or Your Family**
You want to approach your personal physician or a specialist treating a family member.
**Initiating Contact on LinkedIn**
You want to start a professional conversation with a doctor on LinkedIn without seeming intrusive.
**Getting Past the Gatekeeper**
You want to establish contact with a doctor, but their receptionist or assistant acts as a barrier.
**Requesting Introductions to Other Doctors**
You want to ask a doctor client for introductions without jeopardizing your relationship.
**Responding to a Compliment**
You want to know how to gracefully handle compliments from doctors without sounding unprofessional or overly humble.
**Handling Rejection**
You want to know what to say when a doctor declines your offer or says no to scheduling a meeting.
**Dealing with Being Ghosted**
You want to address a situation where a doctor stops responding to your emails or calls.
**Recovering from a Mistake**
You want to know what to say or do if you’ve made a professional error or a faux pas.
**Navigating Financial Discussions when Emotions are Charged**
You want to guide a doctor client through a financial decision when they are emotionally attached or resistant.
**Discussing Fees or Compensation**
You want to handle fee discussions when a doctor questions the value of your services or expresses resistance.
**Addressing Mistrust**
You want to rebuild trust with a doctor who has had a bad experience with other advisors in the past.
**Talking About Sensitive Financial Situations**
You want to approach conversations about student loans, debt, or money mismanagement without making the doctor feel judged.
**Dealing with a Dominant Personality**
You want to assert your expertise without clashing with a doctor who has a strong, controlling personality.
**Adapting to Generational Differences**
You want to adjust your approach when working with younger doctors who prioritize lifestyle or older doctors who focus on legacy.
**Handling Criticism or Pushback**
You want to respond constructively when a doctor questions your advice or challenges your expertise.
**Managing High Expectations**
You want to navigate situations where a doctor expects immediate results or personalized attention beyond your capacity.
**Working with Dual-Income Physician Families**
You want to balance financial discussions and decision-making dynamics in households where both partners are doctors.
**Addressing Ethical Concerns**
You want to maintain professionalism if a doctor suggests cutting corners or skirting financial regulations.
**Navigating Cultural or Gender Differences**
You want to connect with doctors from diverse cultural or gender backgrounds without unintentionally offending them.
**Handling Gift-Giving**
You want to know what types of gifts are appropriate and how to present them without seeming overly promotional.
**Building Relationships with Burned-Out Doctors**
You want to approach a doctor who seems disengaged or overwhelmed by their workload.
Tips for Managing Uncomfortable Situations
Here are some tips:
1. Identify specific situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
2. Reflect on what do you currently say or do. How is it working for you?
3. Generate new ideas. What else could you say? Identify the script that is “you.”
4. Practice new scripts for success so you’re prepared next time!
Please feel welcome to share scripts that work well for you!